In 1984 it became an international competition and was given its present name; in the same year the first Japanese National Hot Air Balloon Championship was held, and balloonists from all over Japan came to the grounds.

Also started at this time was the La Montgolfier Nocturne (The Night of Hot Air Balloons); tethered inflated balloons light their burners in a choreographed manner, illuminating their unique shapes.

In November 1997 the 13th Hot Air Balloon World Championships were again held in Saga.

With numbers rarely seen outside of the United States, this event was attended by over 38 countries and territories.

In 1997, special days during the Fiesta were established for people to experience the balloons.