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Tokyo-Style Traditional Japanese Kites Lecture and Demonstration (August 6, 2014)
(Photo courtesy by Jon Yamamoto)
On August 6, the Consulate-General of Japan in Denver, the City of Denver, and Japan America Society of Colorado co-hosted a Japanese Kite Lecture and Demonstration by renowned Japanese kite master Mikio Toki. At the event, Consul-General Ono introduced Mr. Toki and the role of traditional kites in Japanese culture. Then Mr. Toki gave a lecture about Edo (Tokyo-style) kites and demonstrated his painting techniques. In particular, he showed the contrast of the kite before and after adding red, the design's base color, and how vibrant the kite is when flying against a blue sky. Mr. Toki also flew his Rendako "train kite" which is a single string of 150 connected kites with U.S. and Japanese flag designs. The breathtaking sight elicited gasps of wonder from children and adults alike. In addition, dozens of aerial sculptures by Mr. George Peters, kite designer and longtime friend of Mr. Toki's, brought a colorful and enchanting atmosphere to this 1st Annual Kite Flying Festival.