The hagoita market occurs every year between December 17 and 19 at the Senso-ji temple in Tokyo. There are over 50 stalls only selling the hagoita. The market is very popular and also symbolizes that the year is nearing an end. Traditional hagoita, like the one seen here, contain images of famous kabuki actors. Modern ones however, have also portrayed movie and TV stars and famous athletes. Buying and giving the hagoita are part of the winter holiday season. Photo: Yasue Hukusima, Ohsawa school |
The hagoita is a wooden paddle used
in a game similar to badmiton. The game is not much played anymore,
but girls still treasure this gift, since the paddle itself is supposed
to bring good luck and is a valued ornament.