In Edo-period Japan, kite flying became a hugely popular pastime among the common people. However, as the craze grew, the shogunate government took the surprising step of banning kite flying altogether. Some people, it is said, tried to get around the ban by calling their kites “ikanobori,” a term usually reserved for carp-shaped wind socks. In this article, we’ll explore the unexpected relationship between kites and carp streamers, and delve into the historical significance of the Edo-period kite ban.
The Kite Flying Ban in Edo-Period Japan
It’s true that the shogunate government banned kite flying during the Edo period. This was due to several problems that arose as kite flying grew in popularity among the common people:
Gambling and Kite Flying
Kite flying became a popular subject for gambling, which led to social problems. The shogunate, concerned about the deterioration of public order due to gambling, decided to ban kite flying.
The Risk of Fire
Edo’s townscape was densely packed with wooden buildings, creating a high risk of fire. If the string of a kite snapped and the kite flew away, it could get caught on a roof and cause a fire.
The “Ikanobori” Loophole
In response to the government’s ban, some people reportedly continued to fly kites under the guise of “ikanobori.” While ikanobori typically refers to carp-shaped streamers, at the time, it was apparently also used to describe kite flying.
However, using the term ikanobori as a loophole undermined the purpose of the ban. It is believed that the shogunate also cracked down on kite flying under the name of ikanobori.
The Historical Significance of the Kite Flying Ban
The kite flying ban is known as one of the instances where the Edo-period shogunate intervened in the lives of common people. The shogunate restricted the people’s entertainment, citing gambling and fire risks as reasons.
This policy not only demonstrated the strength of the shogunate’s power but also reflected the rulers’ attitude of trying to control the lives of the common people. The kite flying ban can be seen as an important historical fact for understanding the social conditions of the Edo period.
Kites and Carp Streamers in Modern Times
In modern times, ikanobori refers to the carp-shaped streamers flown to wish for children’s health and growth, while kite flying is used to describe the act of flying kites for fun or competition. Unlike in the Edo period, ikanobori is rarely used to refer to kite flying.
Moreover, modern kite flying places great emphasis on safety, unlike in the Edo period. Kite flying is avoided in areas with a high risk of fire, and the use of hard-to-break strings is recommended. Kite flying is enjoyed while prioritizing safety.
Conclusion
It is true that the shogunate government banned kite flying in the Edo period due to the prevalence of gambling and the risk of fire. Some people are said to have continued flying kites under the guise of ikanobori.
The kite flying ban is a historical fact that demonstrates the strength of the shogunate’s power and its intervention in the lives of common people. In modern times, ikanobori and kite flying have different meanings, and kite flying is conducted with an emphasis on safety.
By looking back at history, we can gain a deeper understanding of the relationship between ikanobori and kite flying, as well as the social conditions of the Edo period. At the same time, it can also be an opportunity to consider how to enjoy kite flying safely in modern times.
