Going out for the Duanwa Festival, Tairyou-bata flags enter the peak of production/Miura

Translated from the original article at: http://news.kanaloco.jp/localnews/article/1203260011/

March 26, 2012

The arrival of the peak production period for Tairyou-bata =The Mitomi Dyed Goods Store of Misaki, Sanpo City

In anticipation of the Duanwu Festival, celebrating the health of boys, the production of Tairyou-bata is at it's peak at Mitomi Dyed Goods of Misaki, Sanpo City. With this being the year of the dragon, many people have requested it's design on the flags.

Working by hand, Mitomo Yoshitaka (Age 32) is a 7th generations flag producer, carrying on the family tradition beginning in 1833 during the Edo period. Tairyou-bata are given to the owners of newly constructed ships as presents to be displayed, used to pray for safe voyages and bountiful fishing. Lately, they've also been used to celebrate children's birthdays, store openings and as various good luck charms.

Helping out the damaged area after the Eastern Japan Disaster, Mitomo has been exchanging gifts with the Sanriku area, offering dyed Tairyou-bata to owners of newly constructed fishing boats, written with messages for the area's recovery.

"However possible, we're celebrating the turning points of life and starting anew." said Mr. Mitomi.


Original text:
門出に大漁旗を、端午の節句へ製作ピーク/三浦
2012年3月26日

ピークを迎えた大漁旗の製作＝三浦市三崎、三富染物店

浦市三崎の三富染物店で、端午の節句を控え、男の子の誕生を祝う大漁旗の製作がピークを迎えている。ことしの干支、龍のデザインを依頼する人も多い。

手掛けるのは、江戸時代の１８３３年から続く７代目、三冨由貴さん（32）。大漁旗は航海安全と大漁を祈り、新造船がお披露目されるたびに船主へ贈られてきた。最近では子どもの誕生や開店祝いなど、さまざまな祝い事の縁起物としても使われている。

東日本大震災以降は被災地を元気づけるための寄せ書き用や修復、新築した三陸地方の漁船へ贈答する大漁旗も染め上げた。

三冨さんは「人生の門出や節目を祝うことができれば」と話している。