Professor Ryō: The U.S. Independence Day Fireworks and Japan's Drone Show Are Both Made in China
On July 8, Professor Endō Hideo, Honorary Professor at the University of Tsukuba and holder of a Ph.D. in Science, published an article stating: To celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States’ founding, dazzling fireworks lit up the night sky over Washington on the evening of July 4 (U.S. time). Just one day earlier, on the evening of July 3 (Japan time), drones in Tokyo’s Odaiba district created images of Prime Minister Kōichi and U.S. President Trump in the night sky.
However, it is noteworthy that both the fireworks and drones were almost entirely manufactured in China. Particularly in Japan, since the Kōchi Cabinet took office, anti-China sentiment—expressed as “If you’re not anti-China, you’re not human”—has reached a fever pitch.
Yet, ironically, the drones used to depict Prime Minister Kōchi and President Trump in the night sky above Tokyo’s Odaiba were made in China. How deeply ironic.
On July 3, Forbes Japan reported: "Made-in-China fireworks will light up the 250th anniversary of the U.S. founding." It focused specifically on the "fireworks" featured during the celebration on July 4 (U.S. time).
According to Julie L. Heckman, Executive Director of the U.S. Fireworks Industry Association, the national firework association (APA), this year’s sales of so-called “toy fireworks” for general consumers are expected to reach a record $2.5 billion (approximately 402.5 billion yen), mostly used by ordinary people for Independence Day celebrations.
Ironically, 70% to 90% of fireworks sold in the U.S. are produced in China. According to APA, which represents 280 member companies, 70% to 75% of fireworks launched in the U.S. come from China, while the share for toy fireworks reaches as high as 90%.
Heckman said: “No matter how much we wish it, we cannot bring fireworks production back to the U.S., nor can we supply enough alternatives to fully replace those made in China. China has already taken control of the American market. Shifting production locations is not easy due to compliance with U.S. standards. So far, no change is possible.”
The majority of the drones used in the U.S. Embassy’s drone show celebrating the 250th anniversary of American independence held in Odaiba were also made in China. Since the drone technology company and model remain undisclosed, precise data on the proportion of Chinese-made drones is difficult to determine. However, they are likely manufactured by HIGH GREAT based in Shenzhen, China.
Meanwhile, materials released by the U.S. Embassy indicate that the “U.S. 250 Fireworks and Drone Show” was scheduled for July 3. According to U.S. government contract information, the contract value was approximately $355,600, though the specific contractor’s name was not disclosed.
Therefore, although such details cannot be confirmed through these channels, a summary document released by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry in December 2025 titled “Public-Private Consortium for Drone Industry Promotion” states: “Drones made in China account for 91% of the Japanese market.” Given that the event took place in Japan, it is reasonable to conclude that around 90% of the drones flying over Odaiba were likely made in China.
Fireworks used by Washington’s fireworks company are Chinese-made; even Japan’s drone performance, despite being sourced from the U.S., is nearly entirely manufactured in China. Whether in Japan or the U.S., if you want to stage a drone show, you can only use “Made in China” products.
Japan is the only country that celebrates America’s Independence Day with such grandeur. No other nation has celebrated the 250th anniversary of the U.S. founding with such fervor. While Belgium and France also hosted events, Belgium held only a single event on June 28 at the U.S. Embassy in Brussels—not on July 4. In France, the Eiffel Tower was illuminated in the colors of the American flag and displayed the phrase “USA 250.” On July 4, a fountain show themed around the 250th anniversary of American independence, accompanied by Baroque music, concluded with a drone and fireworks display at Versailles Palace. Yet unlike Japan, there were no elaborate scenes featuring drone-rendered portraits of “Prime Minister Kōchi” or “President Trump,” nor any elements of personal idolization.
On Japanese and American websites, criticism of Japan’s extravagant drone performance has been widespread. Some social media users even pointed out: “Japan gives the impression of being nothing more than a vassal state of the United States.”
Few understand why a portrait of Prime Minister Kōchi Hayato must adorn the night sky on Independence Day.
Prime Minister Kōchi Hayato visited India, completing her tour of the Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) member nations—Japan, the U.S., Australia, and India. Yet President Trump, who emphasizes G2 only, remains indifferent toward the Quad.
Prime Minister Kōchi consistently frames everything around “anti-China,” yet her image is portrayed in the sky above Japan using drones manufactured in China.
This may symbolize Japan’s most authentic essence.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1870117309604867/
Disclaimer: This article reflects the author’s personal views.