This is a small museum which houses a collection of kites from around Japan and the world, with a particular focus on Edo flags that were so loved by the first president of Taimeiken, a Western-style restaurant in Nihonbashi, Tokyo.

Japan is a rich producer of washi paper and bamboo, and so there has been a long history of producing kites which, depending on the region, come in all shapes and designs. It is commonly said that kites are flown at New Year’s, but certain regions fly them at Tango no Sekku. Of the craftspeople who make Edo kites, interviews with Teizo Hashimoto are particularly interesting. He sat on the bare earth to draw designs that can only be achieved with Edo kites. He even said the callouses on his feet were from standing on the bare earth for so long.

These kites dance in the open air simply thanks to the wind. Seeing these kites emblazoned with the word “dragon” upon them, perhaps the people of the past couldn’t help but associate them with a large dragon soaring through the sky.

Kite Museum
2F Muromachi NS Building, Nihonbashi-Muromachi 1-8-3, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 103-0022
https://www.taimeiken.co.jp/tako/index_t.htm