Ikazaki Giant Kite Battle

The Ikazaki Giant Kite Battle in Uchiko Town, Ehime is a 400+ year tradition held every May 5, designated as a prefectural Intangible Folk Cultural Property. Teams on opposite banks of the Oda River fly about 500 giant kites, using bladed strings called 'gagari' to cut opponents' lines. Historically, families wrote children's names on 'success kites' to pray for healthy growth. A 100-tatami-mat-sized giant kite raised by about 100 students is a spectacular sight.