World Kite Museum The Distinctive Features of Higashiomi Oodako 世界凧博物館 東近江大凧の特徴

Hanjimon

A hanjimon (judging character) is a unique puzzle or word play that was popular during the eighteenth century. In Higashiomi, the Higashiomi Oodako Preservation Society decides the hanjimon to be placed in each kite’s artwork. The character consists of a sketch of an animal and one Japanese kanji, and usually reflects the social mood or celebrations of the year. It is revealed during a ceremony on the first day of the kite’s construction.

Kirinuki

To reduce wind resistance, the kite makers use a technique called kirinuki (lit. cutout). During construction, holes are cut strategically in parts of the washi paper to enhance the kite’s aerodynamic balance without adversely affecting the artwork. This method ensures the kite is stable and can fly effectively.

Nagamaki

The technique called nagamaki (lit., long wrapping) allows the kite to be easily carried, transported, and stored. Typical kite frames are made by crossing bamboo poles in a horizontal and vertical lattice, but Higashiomi oodako are made so that the vertical bamboo poles can be removed easily, allowing the kite to be rolled up like a carpet. It normally takes about twenty people to transport the rolled-up kite to a truck by laying it on a bamboo ladder.