DIFF 2026 Night 3: A showdown between two fireworks powerhouses, Japan and Italy

DIFF 2026 is generating unprecedented excitement in the festival’s history, with multiple competition nights consecutively recording sold-out tickets. The third competition night, themed “Culture” and held on June 13, reached a 100% occupancy rate, with all grandstands filled well in advance, demonstrating the extraordinary appeal of the showdown between the two fireworks powerhouses, Japan and Italy.

Beyond its audience turnout, this year’s DIFF season has also been regarded by industry experts and fireworks enthusiasts as one of the highest-quality editions ever. Featuring some of the world's leading fireworks teams, each competition night has showcased its own distinct identity, continuously surprising audiences with innovative techniques, emotionally rich storytelling, and creative approaches. Many spectators have compared the entire DIFF 2026 qualifying round to a series of “early finals”, where every competition night is worthy of being considered a championship-level contest.

Japan “plays” with fireworks through music, Italy reinforces the stature of a former champion

Considered one of the most anticipated matchups of DIFF 2026, the third competition night featured a head-to-head contest between Japan’s Tamaya Kitahara Fireworks – a representative of the world-renowned traditional Hanabi art form – and Italy’s Martarello Group S.L.R, a “living legend” of DIFF and a two-time consecutive champion.

Japan painted the Da Nang sky with shimmering golden Kamuro trails resembling flowing silk ribbons

Presenting a performance deeply inspired by the spirit of Wabi-sabi, the Japanese team guided audiences through an emotional journey where beauty is perceived through subtlety, harmony, and poetic moments of stillness. Their signature Nishiki Kamuro fireworks, often likened to soft golden ribbons cascading from the sky, appeared repeatedly throughout the display, creating elegant layers of light imbued with the identity of the Land of the Rising Sun.

The Japanese team’s music selection became a highlight that repeatedly ignited excitement across the grandstands. Alongside culturally iconic Japanese pieces such as “New Genesis”, “Always With Me”, and the soundtrack from “Ryomaden”, the team surprised audiences by incorporating a series of globally popular soundtracks and songs, including the theme from “Stranger Things”, “Running Up That Hill”, the Oscar-winning K-pop song “GOLDEN”, and the Vietnamese song “Nhung Ngay Troi Bao La”.

The fireworks unfolded like a grand spectacle of light and color crafted by artists from the Land of the Rising Sun

The combination of fireworks precisely choreographed to every musical beat and familiar hit songs transformed Japan’s performance into a true “concert of light”. Each segment created a powerful connection with audiences, particularly younger spectators, perfectly embodying the spirit of cultural exchange that the competition night sought to celebrate.

Meanwhile, the Italian team presented a performance titled “Echoes Becoming Future”, continuing the cinematic storytelling tradition that has defined the Martarello brand for more than a century.

Italy delivered a cinematic and majestic fireworks performance across the sky above the Han River

Beginning with majestic European classical compositions such as “Lacrimosa” and works inspired by Vivaldi, Italy’s performance gradually guided audiences from the depths of Europe’s cultural heritage toward contemporary expressions. One particularly delightful surprise was the team's skilful incorporation of Vietnamese “hot trend” songs such as “See Tình”, creating deeply emotional moments of connection with local audiences.

Multi-layered fireworks effects, cinematic climactic sequences, and flawless synchronisation between music and light transformed the Han River sky into a giant artistic stage. Each segment resembled a film scene recounting humanity’s cultural journey, where traditional values are continuously renewed to embrace the future.

Team Italy reaffirmed its championship pedigree with a breathtaking display that captivated every DIFF 2026 spectator

Beyond being captivated by world-class fireworks displays, many spectators were especially impressed by the way both teams used music to tell stories about culture.

“I was truly surprised that the Japanese team used such famous songs. It felt like watching a large-scale concert combined with fireworks rather than simply a competition. Those songs allowed young audiences like us to connect with the performance from the very first moments,” shared Nguyen Thao Vy, a visitor from Ho Chi Minh City.

Meanwhile, Le Hoang Nam from Hai Phong commented: “This felt like an early final. Japan had the entire grandstand cheering continuously with globally viral songs, while Italy delivered grand cinematic fireworks sequences that were unmistakably European in style. This year’s ‘Culture’ theme was presented in a very accessible way, never rigid or academic, allowing audiences of all ages to appreciate and connect with it.”

A grand artistic stage connecting cultures

Beyond the fireworks, the third competition night also unfolded as a vibrant musical celebration of cultural diversity along the Han River.

Meritorious Artist Quang Hao brought to the DIFF stage an epic tribute to Vietnam’s history and beauty

Opening the programme was “Hon Da” (Soul of Stone), performed by Meritorious Artist Quang Hao alongside singers and dancers. Traditional folk elements blended with contemporary influences to recreate the beauty of Vietnam’s landscapes, history, and cultural consciousness, establishing an emotional foundation for the entire evening.

From the roots of Vietnamese culture, audiences were then transported to Japan through the timeless melody “Kokoro no Tomo”. Graceful dance movements combined with emotive music to portray the refined and elegant beauty of the Land of the Rising Sun.

Hoang Thuy Linh lit up the stage with a vibrant performance celebrating youthful and contemporary cultural identity

The evening’s youthful highlight belonged to Hoang Thuy Linh with her performances of “See Tinh” and “Bo Xi Bo”. Energetic melodies, dynamic staging, and modern visual effects ignited the atmosphere along the Han River. In particular, “See Tinh” is a song that became a global phenomenon across social media platforms, standing as evidence of how Vietnamese culture is increasingly reaching the world through the language of contemporary music.

Audiences were also immersed in the vibrant colours of the Mediterranean through the performance “Dem Vu Dieu Tarantella” (Night of the Tarantella Dance). Fast-paced, energetic, and lively dance movements recreated the festive spirit characteristic of Italy, building an inspiring bridge between cultures.

After three competition nights, DIFF 2026 continues to affirm its position as one of the region’s leading fireworks festivals and Asia’s premier summer destination — worthy of its recent recognition by Travel + Leisure as one of the Top 9 Festivals Worth Experiencing on the Planet. With the companionship of Sun Group, DIFF is not only a showcase for world-class fireworks performances but also an international cultural exchange platform, where each competition night becomes a unique story told through music, art, and light.

The 10,000-seat grandstand was packed with eager spectators awaiting the third night’s spectacular concert of light

This year, DIFF continues to offer visitors new experiences through the Sun Paradise Land application, featuring personalised AI-powered functions such as creating digital stamps and electronic postcards from memorable fireworks moments. These experiences help extend the emotions of each festival night while further positioning Da Nang as the focal point of Asia’s summer season.

Contributing to the festival’s success are major sponsors including Vietnam Airlines and Bizman Media (Diamond Sponsors), Chicilon Media (Media Partner), as well as other reputable partners such as Pacific Airlines, Hai Tran Media & Airs Group, and Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV).