This is one of the kite plans left by the visiting Japanese kite makers who visited Sydney in 1995.

This is an original design by Mr Takahashi and is simple to make, having no vertical spars or bridle lines. The kite is designed to fly well in light to medium winds. It is particularly suitable as a children's kite. Although a tail is not essential for flight it makes the kite more attractive for children.
Mr Takahashi would like to thank Mr Ohashi and Professor Hirori for the ideas and advice they gave in this kite's development.

Materials

1 sheet of washi 333 by 485 mm (As there are no real stress points on this kite cheap washi, Tyveck or other paper products are suitable)
2 pieces of 3mm split bamboo (bamboo cane) each 61 cm in length.
2 paper streamer tails each 2 metres long (optional)
15 cms of light weight cotton flying line
Scrap washi etc for reinforcing corners
Fast drying glue

Decorating the kite

The hole in the centre of the kite creates an interesting design challenge. Mr Takahashi's kites generally feature geometric patterns or coloured bands. See also painting on washi.

Making the kite

Firstly make sure it is dry after any decorating. This kite does not have any hem allowance. Fold the paper in half. Measure along this centre fold, 1/3 of the length of the kite from the top of the kite and mark this spot. This spot will be the centre of the circle and also the cross over point for the spars.
Using a circular cutter (Olfa is one brand name) make a hole using this mark as the centre of a circle that is half the width of the kite. Alternatively if a circular cutter is not available make a cardboard template 1/2 the width of the cut and carefully position it over the mark. Cut out the hole using a sharp blade. If using this method be careful of fingers.

Before glueing the spars place them onto the rear of the kite and bend them into a rough approximation of their shape. Mark the bamboo where the edges will roughly cross the cut out circle. Use a fast drying glue to coat the bamboo except for the section that will be visible through the hole. Bend to shape and place in position, holding until it is dry. Repeat for the other spar.

Glue reinforcing patches (approximately 2by 4 cms) over the bamboo ends at each corner. Glue optional tails onto the bottom corners of the kite.

Take the 15 cm length of lightweight line and make a knotted loop. Larks head this onto the bamboo spars at the cross over point. Attach the flying line to this loop.

Flying the kite

Prior to flying the kite make a dihedral curve in the kite.

Further suggestions

Mr Takahashi suggests that you can add a small windspinner to spin from the cross over point or join the kites at this point to make a train of kites. Why not try scaling this kite up or down?