“日本一の大凧”を青空に　伝統継承へ新たな挑戦　神奈川・相模原市(2026年5月9日)

This week, the Sagami Giant Kite Festival, held in Sagamihara City, Kanagawa Prefecture, boasts a history of approximately 200 years. A woman has embarked on a new challenge to become a bearer of this tradition. A giant kite soars into the blue sky. This is the Sagami Giant Kite Festival, which has continued since the Edo period. The kite, measuring 128 tatami mats (eight ken), weighs approximately 1 ton. It is the largest kite flown annually in Japan. Ayano Hirahara (27) "I think this is work that can only be done by people." Ayano Hirahara. Last year, after returning to her hometown, she joined the preservation society to protect this nearly 200-year-old tradition, moving beyond simply being a spectator. Ayano Hirahara "I wanted to learn more about how they create these kites to this point." Of the 117 members of the preservation society, only six are women who pull the kites. She is a valuable "youngster" among them. However... Ayano Hirahara "It's something that's been going on for a long time, and it's not a place you can just jump into with a casual 'I want to do it' attitude." It was a series of first-time challenges. Frustration welled up when things didn't go as planned. Ayano Hirahara "I wondered if I could really do it, maybe it would be too difficult. I lost a bit of confidence there." What supported her was the chairman of the preservation society, who had taught Hirahara how to make kites when she was in elementary school. Ayano Hirahara "Mr. Nishiyama (the chairman) called me and told me, 'It'll be alright.'" For the preservation society, the growth of young people who will become new leaders is essential. Could she carry on the tradition? The day arrived. She naturally gripped the rope tighter. And then... The moment human strength and wind combined, the giant kite soared into the sky. Ayano Hirahara: "My biggest wish is to do it again. I think everyone feels the same way and wants to try again next year. That's probably why it's continuing." [TV Asahi NEWS] https://news.tv-asahi.co.jp