Japanese kite festival

People in Akita Prefecture, northeastern Japan, have flown kites in a festival to mark the first signs of spring as the snow begins to melt on Sunday. 

About 130 people gathered in Yuzawa City for the event organized by a group of kite enthusiasts. Some brought traditional or hand-made kites. They included Yuzawa City’s Managu kite, known for its distinctive design with large eyes, and the Tsugaru kite adorned with colorful pictures of samurai warriors. 

Despite occasional rain, the participants checked the wind direction and skillfully flew their kites.