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Video by Derek Mayhew

Sagami Giant Kite Festival Japan 2024

U.S. Army Garrison - Japan

May 4, 2024 | 1:23

Known locally as the Odako matsuri, is an event held where 2 neighboring cities battle it out in the skies using their house sized kites, to see which will stay in the air the longest.

Every year on May 4th and 5th on the banks of the Sagami River, at Shindo Sports Park, the Giant Kite Festival of Sagami is held.

This year saw the attendance of Major General Womack and Colonel Hunter of US Army Japan and US Army Garrison Japan respectively, of Camp Zama, who were both awarded souvenir kites from Zama city.

The river banks are also large enough to accommodate a plethora of food stalls, children’s games and even a small sumo ring.

Large teams of more than 50 people, work together using long ropes to bring the enormous 48 foot wide structures into the air, where the skies become a canvas for an awe-inspiring display of Japanese tradition and team work.

The Giant Kite Festival of Sagami isn’t just about competition. It’s a celebration of community, where families come together to enjoy food, music and the thrill of watching kites dance in the sky.

U.S. Army video by Derek Mayhew, Visual Information Division, Public Affairs Office, United States Army Garrison Japan.

(Voice over licensed by Revoicer)