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PrintDate Submitted: February 28, 2003
Article Type: Journal
In Japan, it is only in Nagasaki that one can see the Indian style Patang, known in the Japan as the Hata tako (flag kite), or just Hata, which translates as kite, although Tako is the more common, generic name for a Japanese kite. The name Hata is derived from the fact that the Indian-style Patang came to Japan on Dutch ships flying their country’s flag. From ancient times, the colors of the Dutch flag—–red, white and blue—–have been the sole colors used on the traditional Hata. The cutting game in Nagasaki is known as the Hata-age (kite-flying), from ageru (to send up…..to raise a flag…..to fly a kite).
Nagasaki Flying Season
Kites can be seen flying over Nagasaki’s streets and parks through April. Public events are on the second and third Sundays of that month. Nagasaki’s most prominent Hata-age or kite-flying day is April 29, a date formerly associated with the late Emperor Hirohito’s birthday and today a national holiday, celebrated around Japan as the Midori no hi (Green Day, or “save the green”). Nagasaki’s citizens come together to pay their Hata-age cutting games on the hillsides of Mounts Inasa and Tohakkei, overlooking the harbor. (Mount Inasa at 1,092 feet or 333 meters, is served by a new aerial lift). Picnic baskets, blankets spread on the ground, and a party spirit animate the contests, with prizes for the victors of contests throughout the daylong celebration.
Although April 29 is the official celebration day, as in countries around the world limiting kite flying to only one day of the year would be unthinkable. Nagasaki’s flying season stretches between March and May. Not so different, in fact, from the season in India where kites fill India’s skies in the months preceding and following the Makar Sankranti celebration January 14. For the most ardent enthusiasts, kite club members spread across India, flying is a year around activity. This is also the case in Japan. Prominent year-round Hata kichi (Hata crazy) members of the Japanese kite community are Kuwata-san, Ogawa-san, and Nakamura-san (san is the Japanese honorific for mister).
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