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Drone shows that transform the night sky into a stage are gaining attention as a form of entertainment that delivers surprise and wonder.
Sasaki explains, "We're increasingly invited to take part in fireworks festivals. In addition to the Kita Ward Fireworks Festival, we've also appeared at some of Japan's largest events, including Omagari in Akita Prefecture and Nagaoka in Niigata Prefecture, both in northern Japan. At these festivals, our drone shows are typically featured in the opening or finale, with performances tailored to the event's theme and sometimes incorporating motifs that represent the local community."
The fusion of fireworks festivals, long cherished in Japanese culture, with cutting-edge drone shows carries real significance. As these festivals confront growing challenges—from a decline in pyrotechnicians and limited funding to environmental concerns—drone shows are emerging as part of the solution.
Sasaki points out that for event organizers, drone shows offer major advantages—not only helping to ease labor shortages and reduce noise and smoke but also projecting sponsors' logos to boost promotional impact. He adds that this has led to increased sponsorship funding and the addition of new corporate partners.
Artwork based on a sign at the Ameyoko shopping street, shown as part of Peace of Light. Photos 1-10 are courtesy of REDCLIFF
Panda-themed artwork created for Peace of Light.
An actual drone used in REDCLIFF's shows.
A special drone show staged on the opening day of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan.
REDCLIFF's drone show featured as one element of the spectacle "One World, One Planet" at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan.
REDCLIFF set two Guinness World Records at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan.
A drone show using 500 drones at Omagari Hanabi
Artwork of an astronaut and an Akita dog created for Omagari Hanabi.
REDCLIFF oversaw the finale at the Nagaoka Fireworks Festival 2025.
At the Nagaoka Fireworks Festival 2025, messages appeared in the night sky to guide visitors as they exited.
REDCLIFF's drone shows are known for being highly entertaining.
"The expressive potential of a drone show depends greatly on the number of drones involved," Sasaki says. "At REDCLIFF, we operate more than 6,500 drones, making complex visuals possible. We also actively incorporate innovative technologies, including drones equipped with fireworks or flash modules. Another key strength is our ability to produce high-quality animations through a dedicated specialist team."
Drone shows can also function as a way to guide people and share information.
Sasaki says that at fireworks festivals, displaying messages such as "Please keep moving" in the sky helped guide crowds more smoothly. He adds that drone shows can also project QR codes into the night sky, which spectators can scan with their smartphones to access specific websites, making them useful for promotional purposes.
As a rapidly growing Tokyo Bay eSG partner company, REDCLIFF has showcased its work at some of the world's largest international events. In 2024, it exhibited at the Smart City Expo World Congress (SCEWC 2024) in Barcelona, Spain, followed in 2025 by IFA Berlin, one of the world's biggest consumer electronics fairs. The company also joined SusHi Tech Tokyo 2025, a global innovation conference organized by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, using these platforms to present drone shows as Japan's next-generation entertainment to audiences both in Japan and overseas.
Sasaki says that at SusHi Tech Tokyo 2025, REDCLIFF screened footage from its drone shows and staged demonstration flights with small, programmable drones. He adds that the company also introduced its initiatives in drone programming education, helping to raise REDCLIFF's profile. The event created opportunities to engage not only with business visitors but also with the general public, and the strong response gave the company a clear sense of momentum.
How will REDCLIFF take drone shows with limitless potential forward?
"Going forward, we're looking to host our own drone shows," Sasaki adds. "By creating content inspired by Japanese anime and games, as well as cultural traditions unique to Japan—such as sumo and kabuki—we aim to open up a new nighttime entertainment market in Tokyo. We also hope to meet inbound demand and position drone shows as one of Tokyo's tourism attractions. At the same time, we're considering international expansion, with markets like Las Vegas and countries in the Middle East in view."
In an industry where Japan was a relative latecomer, this Tokyo-based startup has built remarkable momentum in the drone show world over just a few short years.
"Tokyo gives us the space to take on bigger challenges," Sasaki says. "There's solid support through grants and subsidies, along with many opportunities to showcase our work at events like SusHi Tech Tokyo. Easy access to overseas markets is another major advantage."
With that foundation, it may not be long before REDCLIFF's drones are lighting up skies far beyond Japan.
SusHi Tech Tokyo, short for Sustainable High City Tech Tokyo, is a Tokyo-based concept that leverages high technology to help create a sustainable city, delivering messages at home and abroad showcasing Tokyo's comprehensive attractiveness, and the challenges of resolving urban issues.SusHi Tech Tokyo | Sustainable High City Tech Tokyo
