Experience the Exquisite Craftsmanship of Kite Making in Japan.
Begin our day with a warm "Ohayo Gozaimasu" (good morning) as we embark on the first destination of our buying trip week 2. The moment I arrived, I couldn't help but think, "I want to live here!"
Witness the meticulous process of creating bamboo bone parts as the second generation of the kite house, Yoshihiro Takeuchi, demonstrates each step with precision. One by one, he carefully crafts each piece, showcasing true dedication to his art.
Kite House Magoji, a family-owned kite specialty store in Kitakyushu city in Fukuoka Prefecture has been around since the Meiji era (1868-1912). The first generation Magoji Takeuchi crafted kites as playthings while helping out at his parents' general store.
Today, Magoji's grandson Yoshihiro (born in 1943) and his daughter Azusa carry on the tradition of creating beautiful kites. With roots from the Meiji era, this kite house is a living and thriving piece of history.
With an abundance of bamboo resources in this local area, the kite frames were crafted from this natural material.The Takeuchi family invested in sustainability when creating their kites by utilizing locally made Japanese washi paper, handmade with care and respect for the environment.
Keeping the family tradition alive, Yoshihiro's daughter, Azusa, skillfully paints intricate designs on every single kite. Taking over her mother's role, who unfortunately passed away a decade ago, Azusa's talent shines through her strokes.
Patience and time are key in this craft. Each color must dry before applying the next to prevent blending, resulting in a stunning final product. This attention to detail means that only 5-6 kites can be created per day, truly making each one a masterpiece.
Admire the beautiful frames, created by the first generation, Magoji, over 80 years ago. These incredible works of art are brought to life using earth-friendly materials such as wash paper, bamboo framing, and food coloring.
Using food coloring instead of traditional painting materials to add vibrant color, they ensure each one is crafted as safely as possible - they're mindful of the environment with the possibility of their kites flying away.
As you delve into the rich history of this family, you'll discover that they were once the proud owners of a "Yorozuya" (general store). Even after a century, they continue to use the same weights, steeped in tradition.
Goodbye for now! I'll be back to visit you again! A big thank you to Yoshihiro and Azusa for their warm welcome. Excited to fly their kites in Yoka!
You can see Magoji kites here!
