The Hamamatsu Festival is one of Japan’s most fascinating celebrations. It is held every year from May 3 to 5 in the city of Hamamatsu. During the event, over 170 artistic kites sail across the sky to battle with one another.
The first Hamamatsu Festival occurred during the Eiroku era (1558-1570). Its purpose was to celebrate the birth of the Lord of Hamamatsu Castle’s first son. To honor the child, a large kite was flown across the sky. The event was so popular that future rulers carried on the tradition. It became a custom to write both the baby’s name and the family’s coat of armson the kite with ink. People believed this would promote the child’s future health and growth.
