Date(s)
November 7 (Sat) & November 14 (Sat)
Time(s)
10:30 am to 2:00 pm
(The kite can be completed in about two hours for those who work quickly)
Cost
¥3,000 per person
Ferry fares and accommodation are not included.
A Friendly Oni to Watch Over Your Happiness
In Mishima, an Oni Yozu kite is traditionally made when a son is born, with wishes for a long and healthy life. Featuring a distinctive oni (demon) face, these kites are highly regarded throughout Japan and are now cherished as a traditional craft of Mishima Island. They are displayed at the entrance and other places in the home as good-luck charms for prosperity, household safety, and protection from evil.
In this program, you will make a miniature version (approximately A4 size) of Mishima’s traditional giant Oni Yozu kite. From painting the oni face to assembling the bamboo frame, you will create your very own original Oni Yozu.
Meet the Host
Kazuma Tada
A family tradition spanning generations, Kazuma has been making Oni Yozu kites since his grandfather’s time. He is also working to preserve another important part of Mishima’s traditional culture—the Mishima cattle, an endangered Japanese breed found only on Mishima Island.
Why not try your hand at making your very own Oni Yozu, a traditional craft of Mishima Island?
Schedule
- Take the high-speed boat Yuriya from Hagi Port
- Enjoy the 70-minute ride to Mishima Island
- Arrive at Honmura Landing, Mishima Island
- Make your own Oni Yozu at the Mishima Fureai Community Center (2–3 hours)
- Free time
- For those planning on a day trip: Take the ferry Yuriya from Honmura Landing back to Hagi Port
For those planning to stay the night: Enjoy the rest of your time on Mishima Island at your leisure
Photo Gallery
Treasures Found Here
Oni Yozu
When a son is born, there is a tradition of making a giant kite measuring around 10–13 square meters—roughly the size of a small room—and flying it during the New Year celebrations in the hope that he will grow up healthy.
Mishima Island
Mishima is a small island in the Sea of Japan, about 45 km off the coast of Hagi and the northernmost point of Yamaguchi Prefecture. With a circumference of just 18 km, the island has preserved a unique traditional culture. Since ancient times, it has been an important point for trade with the Asian continent and was also home to soldiers tasked with guarding Japan’s northern shores.
Mishima’s Scenery & Pace of Life
Surrounded by the sea, Mishima offers beautiful views stretching to the horizon and a slower pace of life that is unique to island living.
Information
| Date(s) | November 7 (Sat) & November 14 (Sat) |
| Time(s) | 10:30 am to 2:00 pm (The kite can be completed in about two hours for those who work quickly) |
| Location | Mishima Fureai Community Center 326-12 Mishima, Hagi-shi 758-0701 |
| Access | Take the high-speed boat Yuriya to Mishima Island and get off at Honmura Landing. The venue is just a short walk away. |
| Parking | None |
| Cost | ¥3,000 per person Ferry fares and accommodation are not included. |
| Payment Method | Cash only |
| Capacity & Age restriction | 2–10 people No age restrictions Wheelchair accessible; strollers welcome. |
| What to bring | － |
| Please note | This program will be canceled if the ferry service is suspended. If you are prone to motion sickness, we recommend preparing motion sickness medication in advance for the ferry ride. You may also find it helpful to bring a first-aid kit, any regular medications you take, wet wipes, and insect repellent. For information on ferry services between Hagi and Mishima, please check the Hagi Maritime Website (Japanese only). |
| How to make a reservation | ・By phone: 0838-23-3311 (Monday-Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm) |
| Reservation Deadline | Please reserve at least 7 days in advance. |
| Cancelations | No-show: Must pay 100% of program cost |
Recommended for…
- families
- those with children
- friends
- couples