Making Of Traditional Banners At Its Peak
Preparations are underway across Japan ahead of Children's Day with workers busy making traditional banners.
In Fukushima Prefecture in the country's northeast, elaborate "Iwaki Enobori" streamers are hoisted in the days leading up to the May 5 celebration.
Some bear the design of a Chinese god that protects people from epidemics, while others have images of great warriors.
A local craftsperson in Iwaki City says he has been busy although orders are down by about 70 percent compared to usual years because of the pandemic.
Craftsperson Takahashi Kenichiro says "I don't want to see the end of the 100 years of tradition that has been handed down from my grandfather."
Takahashi says he will keep working with the hope that customers will return once the pandemic finally comes to an end.