Kasukabe Hagoita Market

The Hagoita Market features a form of art traditionally sold at this time of year and for which Kasukabe is famous. The origin of the Hagoita is as a paddle-like racket for playing a badminton-like game called Hanetsuki. They are however more likely to be ornamental.

The tradition seems to have started about 700 years ago during the Muromachi period but they became a popular form of art in the Edo period when they were often decorated with depictions of famous kabuki actors. The market/festival takes place outside the east exit of Kasukabe Station which is roughly a 1 hour journey from central Tokyo on the Tobu “Skytree” Line.

If you live nearer central Tokyo, you may want to check out Senso-ji Temple’s Hagoita-Ichi Festival where many of the hagoita made in Kasukabe are sold.

(Greg Lane)