Okazaki designs and produces more than 70% of Japan's fireworks. Its history as a center for fireworks production goes back to the Tokugawa Shogunate, when production of gunpower is restricted to Okazaki. The city holds an annual fireworks festival on the first Saturday of August.
The local speciality of Okazaki is Hatcho Miso, a dark miso paste made from steaming soybeans.