Takoage

Written by: adekun on 9 November, 2009 11:01 pm - Filed under: japan

Throughout the year many kite flying events are held across the country. The festival has a long history dating back to the Eiroku era. Perhaps now, the gatherings, kites and armies of happi clad flyers are not as big as they used to be (see Takoage Gassen). Still, it is a fun activity to watch or participate in.
Yonago City usually hosts an uncompetitive competition early November. This year it was very hot with a temperamental wind. As a result, the largest set of kites did not get takeoff clearance.

There were plenty of other diversions. Curry rice for an agreeable ￥100 and a Jacuzzi sized nabe of nabe. Despite being surpised at the size of the smaller kites, the biggest attraction for me was what translated as “train kite”. I’d never seen one as long; four colours, each of fifty small kites linked to the main line a metre apart.

Tags: festival, japan