Higashi-Omi Giant Kite Museum 東近江大凧会館
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The Yokaichi Giant Kite Museum exhibits the city's giant kite used previously, as well as many different kites from all over Japan and the world. About 20-min. walk from Ohmi Railways Yokaichi Station. Map
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The giant kite is replaced every three years. The previous giant kite is displayed in the museum, while the current giant kite is flown on the last Sunday in May near Echigawa River.
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The giant kite measures about 13 high and 12 meters across, or the size of 100 tatami mats. This kite flew during 2002-2004. A new giant kite is made every three years.
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What makes the kite unique is that the kite paper is carved with numerous cutouts, based on the design. It is not a solid sheet of paper.
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Giant kite displayed until 2004.
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The design is also characterized by having a pair of creatures and a Japanese kanji character. Together, they indicate a clever meaning based on word play.
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Hundreds of kites from all over Japan and the world
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An incredible variety of kites are displayed. They come from all 47 prefectures of Japan and many foreign countries.
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Wind Goddess kite.
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Kite train, called rendako 連だこ, based on Awa Odori dancers in Tokushima Prefecture.
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Okinawan dancer (yotsudake) kite
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Samurai kite
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Kite from the USA, obviously.
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Kites from around the world.
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Hikone Castle kite, displayed in 2007, the 400th anniversary of the castle.
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Mini theater
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On May 5, 2013 (Children's Day), the kite museum held an event for children to write their wishes on paper stickers to be affixed on the back of the giant kite.
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It started with a ceremony with the mayor of Higashi-Omi and the four "Wind Goddesses."
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Mayor of Higashi-Omi
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The Wind Goddesses are like festival princesses who pray for good wind to blow to fly the giant kite.
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Behind the ceremony is the giant kite waiting for more wishing stickers.
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The Higashi-Omi giant kite.
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Booth to buy wishing stickers for 500 yen each. Proceeds were donated for recovery efforts in Tohoku.
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After writing their wishes, kids paste their wishing stickers on the kite.
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After writing their wishes, kids paste their wishing stickers on the kite.
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Wind Goddesses at Higashi-Omi Giant Kite Museum.
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Kids could also make a small kite for 300 yen.
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The little kites flew well.
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My video of shot on May 5, 2013 of kids visiting the kite museum and pasting wishing stickers.
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