Hagoita Ichi

Hagoita Ichi also known as Toshi-no-ichi is a Tokyo event held between 17th and 19th December every year. This event also famous as Battledore Fair is held in the compound of Senso-ji Temple in Tokyo. The origin of Hagoita Ichi in Tokyo dates back to the Edo period in the 16th century.

'Hagoita' is a racket similar to a battledore or badminton racket. It is used for playing 'hanetsuki', a Japanese game played during the approach of the New Year. It involves hitting a shuttlecock with a 'hagoita'. Now-a-days these battledores are used more as charms and decorative pieces rather than game accessories.

The 'hagoitas' are brightly decorated or carry the pictures of favorite sports heroes, cinema or television stars and other celebrities. Cartoon characters also frequently feature on these battledores.

About fifty open-air stalls are put up in the premises of the Senso-ji Temple selling 'hagoitas'. These stalls are concentrated near the main hall of the temple called Hondo. Along with the battledores the sellers sell kites, shuttlecocks and other decorative items that are popularly sold during New Year.

An interesting feature about the fair is the rhythmic clapping of hands of the buyers and sellers after every 'hagoita' is sold.

The Hagoita Ichi held at Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, Taito-ku in Tokyo attracts thousands of visitors and buyers every year in the month of December.