Drone Show at the 40th Kanmon Strait Fireworks Festival © Drone School Shimonoseki
— On the 840th Anniversary of the Battle of Dan-no-ura, an Art Performance Connecting Past and Future Appears in the Night Sky —
REDCLIFF Inc. (Head Office: Minato-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Koumei Sasaki; hereinafter “REDCLIFF”), a company specializing in the planning and production of drone shows, and A-commerce Inc. (Head Office: Minato-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Yoshikazu Akiba; hereinafter “Drone School Shimonoseki”), which operates the drone business “Drone School Shimonoseki” in Yoshimi, Shimonoseki City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, will co-host the “Strait Drone Show” for the third consecutive year at the 41st Kanmon Strait Fireworks Festival (Shimonoseki City, Yamaguchi Prefecture / Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture) on Wednesday, August 13, 2025.
This year, marking the 840th anniversary of the Battle of Dan-no-ura, the show will feature a record-breaking 840 drones, the largest number in the festival’s history. Under the theme of “Time Travel,” the performance will depict a grand story in the night sky where history and technology intertwine.
A Journey Through “Time Travel” Where History and Technology Intersect
This year’s show, themed “Time Travel,” will present a grand visual story that journeys from the past to the present and into the future. Beginning with the reverse rotation of a clock drawn by drones, the performance will dynamically yet delicately depict motifs connected to Shimonoseki—such as the Battle of Dan-no-ura, whales, blowfish, and the Kanmon Strait octopus—bringing the region’s culture and stories to life on the canvas of the night sky.
Drone Show at the 40th Kanmon Strait Fireworks Festival © Drone School Shimonoseki
The drone show is scheduled to take place for approximately 15 minutes starting at 7:45 PM, following the festival’s opening ceremony. The first stage will be presented with sponsorship from local companies.
NortonLifeLock as National Sponsor
Drone Show at the 40th Kanmon Strait Fireworks Festival © Drone School Shimonoseki
For the second consecutive year, NortonLifeLock Inc. (Japan Office: Minato-ku, Tokyo), provider of the consumer security brand “Norton,” will serve as the national sponsor for the second stage. With the support of this global company, the event will demonstrate how technology can contribute to the local community.
Special Seating for Guests
This year’s festival will invite individuals eligible for the 2021 Coming-of-Age Ceremony—who were unable to celebrate due to the COVID-19 pandemic—to enjoy the event from a special seating area. The initiative offers an opportunity to rediscover the charm of the region and share memorable moments together.
In addition, aerial footage captured by Drone School Shimonoseki will be broadcast live on the day of the event in collaboration with TVQ Kyushu Broadcasting, and an edited version will later be donated to the Shimonoseki Tourism & Convention Association.
Overview of the Co-hosted Event “Strait Drone Show” at the 41st Kanmon Strait Fireworks Festival
Date & Time: Wednesday, August 13, 2025, 7:45 PM – 8:00 PM (Approx. 15 minutes)*
Venue: Shimonoseki Venue (Misakinocho Wharf, Arcaport Shimonoseki, Kamon Wharf, in front of Karato Market)
Organizer: Drone School Shimonoseki
Drone Show Operation: REDCLIFF Inc.
*For safety reasons, the drone show may be canceled in the event of inclement weather. Please check the official website of the 41st Kanmon Strait Fireworks Festival – Shimonoseki Venue (http://shimonoseki21c.jp/hanabi.html) for the latest information on event status.
Related Press Releases
REDCLIFF Stages Surprise Drone Show at One of Western Japan’s Largest Events, the Kanmon Strait Fireworks Festival (August 30, 2023)
https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000028.000087924.html
REDCLIFF Stages Expanded 800-Drone Show at the 40th Kanmon Strait Fireworks Festival (August 9, 2024)
https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000057.000087924.html
A-commerce Inc. – Company Overview
A-commerce Inc. serves as a business advisor for both private companies and government entities in overseas ventures, and also acts as an Overseas Business Advisor for Shimonoseki City. In November 2022, in response to the global establishment of online connectivity, the company opened Cross Culture Magazzino, a community-focused international facility aimed at fostering services and human resources in Shimonoseki that can connect with the world. Within the facility, A-commerce operates the seaside Italian café Café Dal Mare, a cultural center for developing overseas talent, and Drone School Shimonoseki.
Drone School Shimonoseki provides aerial drone filming and video editing for Shimonoseki’s major events, donating the footage to Shimonoseki City.
- Company Name: A-commerce Inc.
- Head Office: Tokyo Midtown Residences, 9-7-2 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Representative: Yoshikazu Akiba, CEO
- Established: September 5, 2006
- Business Activities: Training for national drone licenses, operation of drone schools, operation of drone shops, drone aerial photography, inspection of structures, pesticide spraying, overseas business consulting, and more
- Capital: 10 million yen
