Sadowara Kujira-nobori (Whale Streamers)

A nationally unique tradition in Sadowara, Miyazaki. "Kujira-nobori" (whale streamers) originated from an Edo-period story where the Sadowara domain lord's mother wished her child would "grow as big and strong as a whale." Since 1996, a local community group has been crafting and flying these whale-shaped streamers alongside traditional koinobori. This one-of-a-kind event offers a rare glimpse into Sadowara's unique cultural heritage.