DESCRIPTION OF JAPANESE KITES

The kites of Japan are well known for their aeronautical and aesthetic worth. The traditional kite is a bamboo frame over which a boldly painted kite is glued. The motifs of the Japanese kite can range from legendary heroes to brightly geometric patterns. The kite, itself, can come in all sizes, ranging from one as small as a postage stamp to one as large as a three-story house.  The kites you see on the wall represent some of the most popular motifs found in traditional Japanese kites. 

	This kite is of Nambu Kintaro, a favorite boy figure seen on kites all over Japan.
	The black and white kite is of Daruma, who was the founder of Zen Buddhism in the sixth century. His portrayals often focus on his head and minimize his limbs said to have shriveled in the nine years he spent in meditation. Representations of this figure are found in dolls, which having a round base, will always right themselves, no matter how often they are knocked over. Indeed it is often said in Japan "seven falls, eight rises" which means you can never be successful unless you keep trying.
	This kite portrays Minamoto no Yoshitsune, Japan's foremost tragic hero. During the latter half of the 12th century, Yoshitsune's elder brother, Minamoto no Yoritomo, became the most powerful figure in Japan. He established the Kamakura Government after defeating, thanks to Yoshitsune's military brilliance, the Taira family who had controlled the Japanese government for the past thirty years. Unfortunately, Yoritomo became increasingly suspicious of Yoshitsune and despite efforts to refute his elder brother's accusations of treachery, Yoshitsune finally fled north to the Tohoku area to avoid warfare with his older brother. However, Yoritomo sent an army and destroyed Yoshitsune. Yoshitsune is remembered in the hearts of the Japanese as the courageous military genius who was always loyal to his brother but whose life was tragically ended.
	This kite features a fiercesome creature. Note the stuck-out tongue. It has the same derisive meaning as in the U.S.
	This kite is a tengu, a mischievous creature who often plays tricks on travelers and the unwary.
	This kite, on the other hand, is an oni or ogre. These creatures tend to be cruel and malicious.
	The following kite is called a shosuke yakko kite named after Shosuke, a kitemaker who only made yakko or footman kites. Note how the bottom portion bends as it flies and it is this feature that makes it particularly popular with children.
	What a contrast in content as you stand in front of the next kite. This is Hotei, the god of contentment and happiness, is one of the seven deities of good fortune. The others include Urojin, the god of longevity, Fukurokujin, the god of wisdom, Daikoko, god of wealth, Ebisu, the patron of tradesmen and fishermen, Benten representing the arts, and Bishamon, who combines warrior attributes with missionary zeal.
	Folklore is also evident in these kites, which are produced primarily for decoration rather than flight. These kites, of the cicada, a symbol of thriving life in full summer, are unique in that their subject dictates the form of the kite itself.
	This is a tomoe kite with a three-part design. At the top is the tomoe symbol which is composed of three twirling commas and has been popular since the 10th century. At the center are two "eye-tie" textile designs, referring to a dyeing process, and at the bottom is a folding fan incorporating a circular sun and cloud patterns.
	This is a Tsugaru kite and is the only Japanese kite with bones made of material other than bamboo. Rather it is made of hiba, a kind of heavy cypress and therefore a strong wind is necessary to fly this kite. Tsugaru kites are highly prized for the quality of their paintings, usually of famous warriors.
	This is a small kite from Tsugaru.