BACK TO LIST
LIST OF CONTENTS
Kite-flying
Kite-flying (tako age) has been enjoyed in Japan for many centuries and the making of kites has developed into a minor art form. Japanese kites are brilliantly decorated with paintings of ancient warriors, graphic designs or written characters implying strength, such as "ryu" (dragon). Kites used in festivals may be up to six metres wide, requiring many men to fry them. Children enjoy flying kites around the time of the New Year, when the sky over Japanese beaches and parks is often decorated with their interesting shapes and gay colours.