a day ago
Children in northeastern Japan decorate traditional 'Tsugaru kites'
Children at an elementary school in Aomori Prefecture, northeastern Japan, have enjoyed learning how to decorate traditional "Tsugaru kites."
The kites, known for their distinctive images of heroic warriors and other figures, are designated by the prefecture as local traditional craftwork. It is believed they were first produced during the Edo Period from the 17th through the 19th century by samurai who wanted to earn extra money.
About 40 third-graders took part in Wednesday's event at their school in Hirosaki City.
The children were given paintbrushes to carefully trace the figure of an ancient warrior on Japanese "washi" paper. They used wider brushes to paint the hair and eyebrows.
Parents helped the children to complete their kite paintings by adding various colors.
A boy said it was particularly difficult to paint the hair. But he added that he thinks he did a good job and will give the picture to his grandparents.
The instructor for the event was Mizoe Yuki, an officially designated "Tsugaru kite" artist. He praised the children for creating unique artworks with their favorite colors. He said he hopes the children will learn to appreciate the kites, as it is becoming difficult to find people to continue traditional crafts.
