Chinese kites were introduced to Aizu (present-day Aizuwakamatsu city, Fukushima prefecture) during the Edo period and have been an important traditional craft of the region ever since. It is unclear how Chinese kites, which are commonly seen in the faraway Kyushu region, arrived here. One anecdote indicates that during the Boshin War (1868-1869), the Aizu clan flew Chinese kites from within the castle to boost morale among their allied troops. A famous design is known as "Bero-kun dashi," in which a demon is biting into the helmet of a Chinese warrior with his tongue sticking out. With their bizarre facial expression and vivid colors, the kites have a unique and bold appearance.