We have a variety of sizes to design, build, and repair your kite. Bamboo has been used to make kites for thousands of years. The splitting of bamboo into kite spars is a master’s craft, requiring years of experience. This rough cut bamboo is made by Mikio Toki, longtime friend of the Drachen foundation. Toki has become a recognized master of the Edo kite of Japan. Studying with Katsushita Ota, Toki has refined his personal style to become a true professional Edo kite maker. He continues the tradition of selling kites as New Year’s gifts and also makes larger, more extravagant kites for expositions and festivals worldwide. He is a popular workshop leader and exemplary kite ambassador. Read more about Mikio San carrying on the Edo kite tradition on the Drachen Foundation’s website (page 26). Rough cut bamboo varies in width more so than the natural cut. The dimensions on each bundle are typical of each spar, but they do vary especially around the bamboo node. The texture of the spars are rough, and there are some small splinters.
