The Luminescent Journey of Glow Sticks: From Space Exploration to Disaster Preparedness

In the bustling district of Akihabara, fans energetically wave their glow sticks at underground idol concerts, a sight that has long become iconic. To be deemed a dedicated fan, one must expertly brandish these radiant rods. But, the historical roots of these glow sticks stretch back to the space race between the US and the USSR during the Cold War.

The inception of this technology can be traced to NASA’s Apollo program in the 1960s. Scientists were tasked with crafting a lighting device that could shine without heat, electricity, or flame. Drawing inspiration from the bioluminescent reactions within fireflies, they innovated the first generation of glow sticks. These water-resistant, easily activated tools quickly gained traction within both the US military and the general public.

It was in the 1970s when the entrepreneurial Japanese chemist, Haruo Harada, recognized the potential of this technology in his home country. Upon encountering a glow stick catalog in 1977 at the U.S. consulate, Harada foresaw its potential market in Japan. By 1982, he had secured the exclusive rights to the technology in Japan and integrated it initially into fishing baits and festive accessories. His product, termed the “Chemical Firefly,” proved especially effective in night fishing…