After Drone Shows, the Next is 'Flying Fireworks'

Encore Inc. (Headquarters: Setagaya-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Aomi Nakako; hereinafter 'Encore'), a company specializing in the planning and production of drone shows, has announced the launch of a fireworks-equipped drone service. Fireworks-equipped drones are a new form of aerial entertainment that combines traditional LED drone shows with fireworks performances. By merging the precise formation flight of drones with the power of fireworks, they create an unprecedented luxurious and impressive experience.

In recent years, drone shows have rapidly become popular for corporate promotions, large-scale events, music concerts, and local government events. On the other hand, performances using fireworks-equipped drones are still rare in Japan, making them a highly novel and buzzworthy new content.

Encore Inc. will leverage its production technology and operational know-how cultivated in the drone show industry to provide more impactful aerial performances for corporations, artists, and local governments.

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What are Fireworks-Equipped Drones?

Fireworks-equipped drones are a next-generation performance method where drones fly through the air while executing fireworks displays.

Traditionally, fireworks are launched from the ground, but fireworks-equipped drones can perform while moving freely through the air. By drawing logos, characters, or messages with a drone show and then transitioning directly into a fireworks display, a more narrative-driven performance becomes possible.

Furthermore, a key feature is the ability to create power and three-dimensionality that conventional drone shows could not express. They can be used for a wide range of applications, including corporate events, brand launch events, sports events, local government events, tourism initiatives, and music concerts.

Adoption of Fireworks-Compatible Drones

The drones operated by Encore Inc. feature highly expandable bodies compatible with various attachments. This allows fireworks units to be attached to the drones, enabling performances using fireworks in addition to conventional LED drone shows.

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Creating Overwhelming Luxury and Exclusivity

The greatest appeal of fireworks-equipped drones is their ability to dramatically enhance the overall luxury and exclusivity of an event. In recent years, there has been a growing trend in corporate events and luxury brand launches to prioritize 'experiences' over 'advertising'.

It is essential to surprise and move participants, making the experience itself memorable.

Fireworks-equipped drones create an overwhelming sense of the extraordinary by combining beautiful animations drawn in the night sky with fireworks deployed in the air. They are ideal for scenes requiring 'special performances,' such as corporate anniversary events, luxury car brand launches, events at luxury hotels, and opening/closing ceremonies for sports events.

A Pioneering Performance Still Rare in Japan

While the drone show market is expanding year by year, performances using fireworks-equipped drones are still limited in Japan. Therefore, introducing them to an event can generate significant buzz.

As it will be a first-time experience for many attendees, it can not only improve event satisfaction but also drive information diffusion through social media posts and word-of-mouth.

The fact that it is 'a performance no one has ever seen' itself holds great value and helps differentiate companies and brands.

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High Diffusion Effect on Media and Social Media

In recent years, drone shows have increasingly been featured on television, in newspapers, on web media, and on social media.

Footage of giant logos or characters appearing in the night sky has a very strong visual impact, prompting many attendees to film it with their smartphones and post it on social media.

Furthermore, fireworks-equipped drones are even more photogenic than regular drone shows, making them an excellent match for Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter).

A major appeal is the ability to disseminate information not only to attendees on the day of the event but also nationwide and globally through the footage. Encore Inc. proposes promotion designs that look beyond mere performance provision, aiming to 'create buzz' and 'drive virality.'

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Fully In-House Animation Production

One of the most critical elements determining the quality of a drone show is animation production. Many drone show operators often outsource animation production to external companies, which tends to make production costs high. Additionally, revisions or changes to the performance often incur extra costs and time.

Encore Inc. has established a system that handles everything in-house, from planning, composition, and design to animation production and simulation. This allows them to achieve high-quality animation production while reducing outsourcing costs. Furthermore, they can accommodate flexible revisions and short-term production according to client requests, enabling them to quickly realize the ideal performance.

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High-Quality Drone Shows at Lower Prices

The in-house animation production is also a major strength in terms of pricing.

For many drone show companies, animation production costs are a factor that drives up the overall estimate. However, since Encore Inc. can complete the production process in-house, it can reduce these costs and pass the savings on to its clients.

While maintaining high-quality performances, they offer services at competitive prices within the industry.

A key characteristic of Encore is achieving 'high quality and low price due to an efficient system,' rather than 'high price due to high quality.'

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Fireworks-Equipped Drone Shows are Recommended for:

Companies with Large Advertising Budgets

For companies, primarily in Tokyo, with annual advertising budgets ranging from tens of millions to hundreds of millions of yen, fireworks-equipped drones offer a new alternative to traditional advertising methods.

As an 'experiential advertisement' that cannot be created by TV commercials, transit ads, or web ads alone, they can attract significant attention.

Promotions for Major Artists and Music Concerts

They are highly compatible with concert announcements, new song releases, and tour promotions. Drawing an artist's logo or song title in the night sky and then transitioning to a fireworks display can create an overwhelming impact.

New Product and Service Launches

For new product launches and brand announcements, generating buzz is crucial.

Fireworks-equipped drones can be used as a new marketing tool to promote media exposure and social media diffusion.

Local Governments and Tourism Operators

They are also highly effective for regional revitalization and tourism attraction initiatives.

As a new tourism content distinct from traditional fireworks festivals, they can attract many visitors.

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What Encore Aims For

Encore Inc. is not merely a company that flies drones.

Our goal is the 'creation of a new advertising and entertainment culture utilizing the sky.'

We want to increase recognition. We want to create buzz. We want to go viral on social media.