Sagami Giant Kite Festival

The Sagami Giant Kite Festival, held annually on May 4-5 in Sagamihara City, Kanagawa, is a Children's Day tradition dating back about 200 years to the Tenpo era (ca. 1830). Giant kites crafted by local preservation societies are flown at four venues along the Sagami River. The star attraction is the 'hachiken-dako' (eight-ken kite) at Shindo venue, measuring 14.5m square and weighing about 950kg—Japan's largest annually flown kite. Over 100 people pull ropes to launch it skyward. Each year, a single kanji character reflecting current events is painted on the kite.