The Custom of Flying Large Kites in Omi Yokaichi

The Giant Kite Flying Tradition of Omi-Hachiman: A 300-Year-Old Sky Spectacle

In the city of Higashiomi, nestled in the heart of Shiga Prefecture, an extraordinary tradition has soared through the skies for over 300 years. The Omi-Hachiman Giant Kite Flying Custom (近江八日市の大凧揚げ習俗) is a breathtaking folk practice in which colossal kites — some as large as 100 tatami mats, measuring 13 meters tall and 12 meters wide, and weighing approximately 700 kilograms — are launched into the air by teams of over 100 people pulling on massive ropes. Designated as a National Selected Intangible Folk Cultural Property in 1993, this living tradition is a testament to the ingenuity, competitive spirit, and communal bonds of the people of Higashiomi.

Historical Background

The origins of giant kite flying in the Hachiman area date back to the mid-Edo period (18th century), when kites were flown during the Boys' Day festival in May to celebrate the birth of a son — much like carp streamers (koinobori) were displayed elsewhere in Japan. The practice took root in three villages: Nakano, Shibahara, and Kanaya, within what was then Hachiman City.

What began as modest celebrations with small kites gradually escalated into a fierce inter-village rivalry. Each community competed to build and fly ever-larger kites, driving remarkable innovations in construction and design. By the Tenpō era (1830s–1844), kites had grown to approximately seven ken (about 13 meters) on each side. The largest kite on record was an astounding 240-tatami-mat giant flown in 1882 (Meiji 15).

The tradition was interrupted during World War II, but villagers concerned about losing their heritage founded the Hachiman Giant Kite Preservation Society in 1953 (Showa 28) to revive and safeguard the craft. In 1991, the World Kite Museum and Higashiomi Giant Kite Hall opened as a permanent center for kite culture. The custom received national recognition in 1993 when it was designated a National Selected Intangible Folk Cultural Property. In 2025, a new 100-tatami-mat kite was completed for the first time in 12 years, celebrating the centennial of the Showa era.

Why It Was Designated a Cultural Property

The Omi-Hachiman Giant Kite Flying Custom was recognized for its exceptional cultural value on several grounds. The sheer scale of the kites is unparalleled anywhere in Japan, with 100-tatami-mat kites being the standard size and historical records of even larger specimens. The tradition preserves unique artisan techniques that have been passed down through generations, and the communal nature of the kite-making and flying process represents an important example of how folk customs bind communities together.

Three distinctive technical features set the Higashiomi giant kites apart from all others in Japan. The first is the "cutout technique" (kirinuki kōhō), in which the paper surface is cut away around the painted designs to reduce wind resistance, allowing the massive kite to achieve aerodynamic balance. The second is the "long-roll technique" (nagamaki kōhō), whereby the round bamboo frame elements can be detached and the entire kite rolled into a long cylindrical shape for storage and transportation — a feature that has enabled these giant kites to be shipped overseas and flown in countries including the United Kingdom, France, China, Singapore, and Malaysia. The third is the "hanjimom" tradition, a form of visual wordplay unique to Higashiomi kites, in which images of birds, fish, or objects painted on the upper portion combine with large red characters on the lower portion to form a riddle or celebratory message.

Highlights and Attractions

The Higashiomi Giant Kite Festival

Held annually on the last Sunday of May along the Echi River banks in Higashiomi, this festival draws approximately 38,000 spectators. The main event features a 100-tatami-mat kite — 13 meters tall, 12 meters wide, and weighing about 700 kilograms — being launched by around 150 people pulling on heavy ropes. In 1993, a 100-tatami kite achieved a flight time of 2 hours and 5 minutes, a remarkable record. Even when wind conditions are less than ideal, the dramatic sight of this enormous structure rising into the sky never fails to thrill the crowd.

Coming-of-Age Ceremony Kite Flying

Every January, on the day of the Higashiomi City coming-of-age ceremony, a 20-tatami-mat kite is flown in honor of the new adults. Each year's kite features the Chinese zodiac animal of the year rendered in the traditional hanjimom style. New adults participate in the kite-making process from November onward, spending about a month constructing the kite alongside veteran members of the Preservation Society before flying it on their special day.

World Kite Museum — Higashiomi Giant Kite Hall

This museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in kite culture. Its soaring atrium displays an actual 100-tatami-mat giant kite in all its glory, and the collection includes approximately 600 kites from Japan and around the world. Visitors can watch footage of actual giant kite flights in the theater room, learn about the history and techniques of kite-making, and even try their hand at making a small kite (300 yen per kite). The museum's distinctive zigzag roofline evokes the image of a string of linked kites.

The Art of Hanjimom

One of the most intellectually engaging aspects of the giant kites is the hanjimom pictorial wordplay. For example, a kite depicting two turtles (kame) above the character for "dream" (yume) reads as "Yume tsukame" — "Seize your dreams!" (since "tsū kame" sounds like "two turtles"). Decoding the meaning of each year's kite design is a beloved tradition that connects the art to the Edo-period culture of visual riddles (hanji-e) enjoyed by common people.

Visitor Information

The World Kite Museum — Higashiomi Giant Kite Hall is the best starting point for experiencing this tradition. The museum is a 15-minute walk from Yōkaichi Station on the Ohmi Railway, or accessible by the "Chokotto Bus" (Nambu-Misono Line) to the "Ōdako Kaikan-mae" stop. By car, it is approximately 7 minutes from the Yōkaichi Interchange on the Meishin Expressway via National Route 421.

The annual Giant Kite Festival in late May takes place at the Echi River (Aichi-gawa) riverbed. The coming-of-age kite flying in January is held at Shōtoku Junior High School grounds. Visitors planning to attend these events should check the latest dates with the Higashiomi City Tourism Division, as exact schedules may vary each year.

Surrounding Attractions

Higashiomi and the broader eastern Shiga area offer a wealth of experiences beyond the giant kites. The Eigenji Temple area, accessible from Yōkaichi, features a beautiful Rinzai Zen temple set amid maple forests that blaze with color in autumn. The Gokashō district preserves the historic streetscapes of Ōmi merchants, some of Japan's most famous traditional traders. Lake Biwa, Japan's largest freshwater lake, lies just to the west and offers scenic cycling routes, lakeside parks, and freshwater fish cuisine. The Ōmi Railway itself, one of Japan's oldest private railways, provides a charming retro rail experience connecting the region's towns.