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!
They are characterized by the size of the paintings and their distinctive build.
The most captivating feature of the Tsugaru kite is its bold depiction of warriors’ faces, rendered in a dramatic style that fills the entire surface. Inspired by heroes from Romance of the Three Kingdoms and Japanese military history, these figures are characterised by piercing eyes and powerful expressions. The style draws influence from the ukiyo-e prints of Katsushika Hokusai, and the kites have long been cherished as auspicious charms symbolising hopes for children’s healthy and vigorous growth.
Due to the harsh climate of the Tsugaru region being cold, traditional bamboo proved unsuitable for kite-making. Instead, Instead, local artisans turned to the Aomori hiba (Thujopsis) tree, a native cypress known for its lightness, flexibility, and resistance to moisture—making it an ideal material for crafting durable and responsive kites.
Affixed to the reverse of each kite is a strip of thick paper known as the bunbu, which produces a distinctive “boon-boon” sound as it cuts through the air. This auditory element enhances the visual spectacle, making Tsugaru kites a multi-sensory experience unique to the region.
Every Tsugaru kite is meticulously painted by hand. From the initial ink outlines to the final layers of colour, each step is executed with precision and care, reflecting the artisan’s technique and individual style. No two kites are exactly alike; each is a one-of-a-kind work of folk artistry.
Though classed as toys, Tsugaru kites have become seasonal icons that herald the arrival of spring. In Hirosaki and surrounding areas, they are flown during festivals and local gatherings, embodying the rich natural, historical, and emotional heritage of the Tsugaru region.
https://www.atlanta.us.emb-japan.go.jp/kites.html
Videos of the kites flying and art books containing the designs.
https://www.japan-guide.com/g20/3704_01.jpg
Auspicious Symbols in Flight: The Making of Zodiac Tsugaru Kites (JP only)
Tsugaru City Hosts Kite-Flying Competition: 283 Participants Test Their Skill (JP only)
You can make one for yourself at Neputa Village traditional crafts house! You can make the frame yourself or just paint the kite!
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20250704_10/
The Tsugaru kite — a traditional folk toy from the Tsugaru region — is something I had heard of before, but wasn’t particularly familiar with. As someone originally from Osaka, the traditional culture of the Tōhoku region lies outside my daily experience and personal history. That culture, however, is remarkably distinctive, and Tsugaru is no exception. The vivid designs and bold colours of the kites reflect the strength and resilience of the Tsugaru people — their passion made visible. Watching the kite soar through the freezing northern sky is a strikingly beautiful sight; elegant and powerful, it left a lasting impression on me.
You can experience this unique tradition for yourself at the Tsugaruhan Neputa Village, which was introduced in the first section. I wholeheartedly recommend a visit — it was truly magnificent and will remain in your memory forever.
-Yuto KINOSHITA
Aomori Prefectural Government. (n.d.). Tsugaru kite – Traditional craft of Aomori. Retrieved July 10, 2025, from https://www.pref.aomori.lg.jp/soshiki/sangyo/chikikigyo/aomori_dento-kougei_tsugarudako.html
Japan Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square. (n.d.). Japanese traditional crafts. Retrieved July 10, 2025, from https://www.jtco.or.jp/en/japanese-crafts/
Aomori City Library. (n.d.). The story of Tsugaru kites [PDF]. Retrieved July 10, 2025, from https://www.library.city.aomori.aomori.jp/aomoricity_history/trivia/301-/337.pdf
Aomori Prefectural Government. (2022). Introduction to traditional crafts of Aomori: Tsugaru kite [PDF]. Retrieved July 10, 2025, from https://www.pref.aomori.lg.jp/release/files/2022/72611.pdf
NHK Archives. (n.d.). Traditional Tsugaru Kites [Image]. Retrieved July 10, 2025, from https://www2.nhk.or.jp/archives/movies/?id=D0004150024_00000
Kahoku Shimpo Publishing Co. (2022, December 15). Tsugaru kite craftsman brings the tradition to life through annual zodiac themes [Image]. Retrieved July 10, 2025, from https://kahoku.news/articles/20221215khn000059.html
Nippon Communications Foundation. (n.d.). Aomori Prefecture: A land of snow, apples, and Nebuta [Image]. Retrieved July 10, 2025, from https://www.nippon.com/en/guide-to-japan/pref02/
Japan Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square. (n.d.). Tsugaru kite (Aomori) [Image]. Retrieved July 10, 2025, from https://www.jtco.or.jp/japanese-crafts/?act=detail&id=321&p=2&c=15