Station #26: There is a famous shrine on top of Mt. Akiba to the right. People came from all over Japan to pray for protection from fire, a serious problem when houses were built of wood and bamboo. Perhaps that is why Hiroshige shows a traveling priest and his helper. But the focus to me is on the little boy whose kite string has just broken. The strong wind has swept it up and away towards the mountain. This area is known for its strong winds and many kite festivals are held there in the spring. In Edo times, kites were flown above the rice fields in the spring, to protect them from insect damage.

Image Copyright: Minneapolis Institute of Art