The Tsugaru kite [津軽凧] is one of the traditional folk toys of Aomori Prefecture.

The Tsugaru kite [津軽凧] traces its origins to the Edo period, when samurai of the Hirosaki Domain began crafting kites as a form of wintertime supplementary labour. They would sell the kites to the children of wealthy families. It was a relatively lucrative business. Given the severe climate of the Tsugaru region, bamboo—commonly used as a structural material for kites—was difficult to cultivate. In its place, local artisans turned to hiba, a native cypress known for its lightness and flexibility. The resulting kites were both durable and lightweight, laying the foundations for a distinct kite-making tradition in the region. The designs typically feature heroic figures drawn from Romance of the Three Kingdoms [三国志], Water Margin [水滸伝], and Japanese military history, which is collectively known as musha-e [武者絵]. From the Meiji period onwards, the 'okubi-e' style, in which the subject's face is rendered disproportionately large, became the dominant mode.
The destinctive painting style was ifluenced by the Ukiyo-e painting that was popular during the Edo Period (1603-1868), particularily by the famous painter Katsushika Hokusai. This style was developed by a figure known as Shibata and later perfected by Odakiri Iwaizō. These formidable depictions of warriors often carried a deeper meaning: the wish of parents for their children to grow strong and resilient.

Over time, Tsugaru kites became a cherished element of local culture. During the Tenpō era (1830–1844), it is said that the skies over Hirosaki were filled with kites. By the mid-Meiji period, large-scale kites had become an established harbinger of spring, soaring above town festivals and kite-flying competitions. The construction of these kites reflects the ingenuity of regional craft: hiba wood provides the frame, while a piece of thick paper, known as bunbu [ブンブ], is affixed to the rear to produce a distinctive rustling sound in flight. Their creation involves a labour-intensive process, requiring the careful hand of a seasoned artisan. (comprising timber selection, framework assembly, ink drawing, colouring, edging, and final adjustments; in Japanese, 「木取り」「骨組み」「墨描き」「彩色」「縁取り」)

Today, Tsugaru kites remain a living tradition. The design that is practiced today is credited to Iwanzo Odagiri who perfected it  by building on the work of a craftsman known as Shibata. In places such as the Tsugaruhan Neputa Village [津軽藩ねぷた村] in Hirosaki City, visitors can view exhibitions or even take part in workshops. Alongside Tsugaru lacquerware [津軽漆器] and kogin-zashi [こぎん刺し] embroidery, the kite is recognised as a treasured craft of Aomori Prefecture, and efforts continue to pass this cultural heritage on to future generations!

Interested?

You can make one for yourself at Neputa Village traditional crafts house! You can make the frame yourself or just paint the kite! 

http://neputamura.com/en/experiecce-crafts/