Mikio Toki, Master craftsman of Japanese Edo kites

Japanese Edo kites which are made by a master kite craftsman Tokio Miki are on display in Sydney.

Edo dako, a Tokyo-style Japanese kite made by Mikio Toki Source: SBS

Edo-kite master Mikio Toki (right) and his daughter Asami Toki at the Japan Foundation Sydney Source: SBS

Mikio's 32 works are on display at an exhibition titled Edo in the Sky: Traditional Kites of Japan at the Japan Foundation Sydney until the 12th of October, 2019.

Mikio and his daughter Asami, who is a trainee craftsman of Japanese Edo kites, visited Sydney in July to attend the opening of the exhibition and hold kite-making workshops for kids both in Sydney and Melbourne.

Kite flying had been very popular in Tokyo until early Showa era, before the all urbanisation of Tokyo happened.  To pass on the beauty and techniques of Edo kites to the next generation, Mikio thinks that helping kids discover the fun of kite flying is the key.

In the audio, Mikio and Asami tell us about the beauty of Edo kites and share their insights on making Edo kites.

Edo dako, Tokyo-style Japanese kites, made by Mikio Toki at the Japan Foundation in Sydney Source: SBS

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