Online dictionary of history and traditions in Japan: Japanese kite

This is the online Japanese dictionary developed by Free Light Software. With our tool, you can find easily an equivalent Japanese word from English, or send queries to Japanese search engines without knowing Japanese translation. Click on a Japanese word to browse in Japanese search engines. Click on a globe icon to find the position of a locality on Japanese map (maybe take a few seconds to display). The dictionary of Japanese general terms is available at Online Japanese dictionary.

French version

Japanese kite

凧
alternative words: Tako, kite
keywords: art , china , craft , game , thing
related topics: Heian period , Samurai , Edo period , Japanese paper , New year
related web sites: http://www.kikimimi.ne.jp/www/eohashi/ , http://www.nmt.ne.jp/~windlove/ , http://www.taimeiken.co.jp/takohaku/index_t.htm , http://web.kyoto-inet.or.jp/people/cokeian/ , http://www2.ginzado.ne.jp/shayo/yosidamati/tako/takokan.htm
explanation: Invented 3000 years ago, it arrived in Japan from China at the beginning of Heian period. During Kamakura period, the kites spread among samurai clans, not only because of their military interests but also they symbolized a bravery, but it is since Edo period that kites have become a popular entertainment for everybody. Contrary to western kites which give an importance to technical aspect, Japanese kites are appreciated by their beautiful pictures drawn on the surface.