Guide
The Shirane Okite Kassen is a traditional festival held every June in Minami-ku (formerly Shirane City), Niigata City. The main attraction is the battle between the massive "O-dako" (Giant Kite) and the highly maneuverable "Maki-dako" (Winding Kite). The O-dako is a colossal structure measuring 7 meters in height and 5 meters in width—equivalent to the surface area of 24 tatami mats. It features a bamboo frame covered in Japanese paper, a 30-meter nose string, and a 130-meter hempen flying rope. Watching these giants soar through the sky in a competitive display of strength and skill is a unique cultural experience deeply rooted in the local history.
The history of this festival is profound. In 1911, a record noted that Major Lerche, an Austrian military attaché, visited and described the event as a "traditional Japanese martial battle." Following this high praise, a championship flag was donated in July of that year. Although the original flag was lost during the Great Shirane Fire of 1931, it was successfully reconstructed in 2011 using historical documents to celebrate the 100th anniversary. The kite culture of this region is so iconic that it has been featured in famous Japanese films such as "Truck Yarou: Dokyo Ichiboshi" and "Otoko wa Tsurai yo," symbolizing a significant part of Japan's cultural heritage.
The highlight of the battle is the competition between the O-dako and the Maki-dako. While the O-dako commands attention with its overwhelming size, the Maki-dako is a hexagonal kite (approx. 2.8m x 2.2m) characterized by its ability to be quickly wound up. The way these two types of kites utilize their distinct characteristics to compete is a sight unique to this festival. Additionally, the "Shirone Large Kite and History Museum" located within Shirane Sogo Park offers exhibits on kites from around the world, a kite-making workshop, and a wind tunnel laboratory, allowing visitors to deepen their understanding of the craft.
The Shirane Okite Kassen takes place annually in June. This is the best time to witness the full scale of the traditional kite battles. As this occurs in early summer, the flight of the kites is heavily dependent on weather and wind conditions. It is highly recommended to check the local weather forecast and the official schedule on the day of the event to ensure the best viewing experience.
At the "Shirone Large Kite and History Museum" in Shirane Sogo Park, visitors can engage in more than just observation. You can learn about the structure and history of kites through hands-on experiences, such as visiting the kite workshop or exploring the wind tunnel laboratory. The surrounding area provides an excellent environment to immerse yourself in the traditional kite-making culture.
Shirane Sogo Park serves as the primary venue for the festival. The park houses museums and facilities dedicated to preserving kite-making techniques. The Minami-ku area of Niigata is a charming district where historical landscapes and traditional festivals are still very much alive, making it a great place to combine with other local sightseeing.
As this is an outdoor event, please wear comfortable clothing suitable for movement.