Breezy crafts for all seasons

Lasting　Tradition By Tatsuya Sakamoto Special to The Daily Yomiuri

For centuries, the Japanese have delighted in special events associated with the seasons, such as tairyobata--fishermen's flags--kites and wind-bells, which rely on the wind to bring them to life.

But these traditional handcrafted items are on the verge of disappearing, as are the artisans who make them.

Every village or town flies its own kites as they are loved by local people. This is especially true of Tsugaru kites that can be seen in the snow country. Kites decorated with samurai images offer a colorful challenge to Old Man Winter as they soar in the sky, bringing cheer to the people below battling through a harsh winter.

Kites also are particularly popular in Shirane, Niigata Prefecture, which for 300 years has hosted a battle between giant kites. Teams line up on opposite sides of a river and try to bring their opponents' kites down by cutting the kite strings.

Many people say that the tinkling of a wind-bell in summertime makes them feel cooler. In olden days, nobles would hang wind-bells from the eaves at the four corners of their houses to ward off evil spirits. Later, craftsmen started making the wind-bells from glass, and in the late Edo period (1603-1867) they came into general use during summer.

Tairyobata were originally hoisted by returning fishing boats to indicate a bountiful haul. But now they are used mainly as decorations for such events as ship-launching ceremonies.

Photographer Tatsuya Sakamoto's "Lasting Tradition" ends with this issue after five years. Today we feature previously run photographs of traditional crafts related to wind.

Farewell to 'Lasting Tradition'

Dear readers,

This is the last of the "Lasting Tradition" series that in 109 installments has introduced traditional Japanese crafts and culture over the past five years. During that time, I have reported on craftsmen making items using traditional techniques that have been passed down over the ages, and on Shinto rituals and other yearly festivals.

It is difficult to preserve and maintain these traditional manufacturing methods and events because Japan's traditions are disappearing as a result of its economic growth and the Westernization of lifestyles.

I met craftsmen who insisted on handcrafting what they produce--perserving with time-honored methods in the face of changing times and mass production.

One craftsman I met said that at one time he thought he would not continue in the family business because the family was so poor. But when his father died, he took over. Now, he said, he has to train his son to succeed him, otherwise there will be no one left capable of restoring national treasures.

Shinto rituals too are at risk. For example, Fujimori Shrine in Kyoto, has for 1,200 years held a horse-riding event, and the derring-do and horsemanship of participants was famed throughout the land. But the farm tracks on which the horse-riding event was held have now become part of a residential area. Local people say they no longer have the opportunity to ride in their daily life, and have to take part in the ritual by riding a rented horse without an opportunity to rehearse. And although spectators are thrilled by the event, the shrine has to take out accident insurance to cover the riders.

When I went out reporting, I was often nervous, wondering whether I could take good photographs. I sometimes made difficult requests of people so that I could make items match the surrounding environment.

I presented this series in collaboration with the people I met and I deeply appreciate their cooperation. What people told me about traditional craftsmanship remains in my mind, and I will never forget them.

Tatsuya Sakamoto