Tosa-dako are kites from Kochi Prefecture made with Tosa Washi (Tosa Japanese Paper) pasted on. They have a diamond shape called 'tsunodate,' a square with one corner pointing upward, and are also known as 'Furoshiki Ika.' Based on black and on red, a color believed to ward off evil, they are vividly painted with family crests, auspicious characters, warriors, Otafuku (a cheerful round-faced woman), the animals of the zodiac and more. They have no tails, and are distinguished by having only two itome (bridle lines connecting the face of the kite to the flying line), running along the center line. Because this resembles the Hata kites of Nagasaki and other Kyushu kites, Tosa-dako are sometimes classified as southern-type kites. Today, 吉川染物店 in Kagami Town, Konan City, is said to be the only maker of Tosa-dako in the prefecture. The fifth-generation head, 吉川毅, makes each kite by hand to order, alongside dyed goods such as Furafu.
Origin
The origins of Tosa-dako are unclear. Accounts citing overseas kite magazines and other sources say they were being made at least about 200 years ago, and it is also said that the kite was born in Kagami Town. Because their shape and the way the bridle lines are attached resemble Kyushu kites such as the Hata of Nagasaki, some believe they were introduced through exchanges with Kyushu across the Pacific.
History
Kites painted with family crests are said to have been flown to celebrate the birth of a boy. Kites with characters and kites with pictures such as warriors have also been made. At one point the number of makers dwindled and the craft nearly died out, and local preservation efforts are reported to have been made. Today, 吉川毅 of 吉川染物店 is said to be the only person in the prefecture carrying on the tradition. In summer 2026, the exhibition '吉川染工房の仕事と絵金展' was held at いの町紙の博物館 (Ino Town Paper Museum), where Tosa-dako and Furafu were displayed.
Features
Tosa Washi is used for the face of the kite, and it is said that several sheets are pasted together, with the overlaps serving as reinforcement. Bamboo is used for the frame. Another feature is that the horizontal spar can be removed so the kite can be folded. Tosa-dako are said to fly high and at a steep angle even without a strong wind. The Tosa-dako of 吉川染物店 are based on black and red, and the main designs are family crests, celebratory characters, warriors, Otafuku and the zodiac animals.
Techniques
Hand-Painted Coloring
At 吉川染物店, as with Furafu and other dyed goods, every step is finished by hand using brushes and dyeing brushes. Based on black and on red, which is believed to ward off evil, vivid colors are layered to depict designs such as family crests, warriors and Otafuku.
Materials Used
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Artisans & Workshops
吉川染物店（吉川工房）
A dye shop in Kishimoto, Kagami Town, Konan City, said to have been in business for more than 130 years. The fifth-generation head, 吉川毅, is said to be the only person in the prefecture carrying on the Tosa-dako tradition, and in 2011 he was certified by Kochi Prefecture as a 'Tosa no Takumi' (Master Craftsman of Tosa). The shop makes Tosa-dako, Furafu, nobori banners and noren curtains to order.
Official site →How to Buy
- Ordering from 吉川染物店
- Tosa-dako are custom-made by 吉川染物店. Inquiries can be made through the quote request form on the official website or by phone. The shop is at 56 Kishimoto, Kagami Town, Konan City, and is listed as open from 9:00 to 17:30, with irregular holidays.Where to buy →PR