Kites were first made to measure distances, providing information to aid moving large armies across difficult terrain. They were used to calculate and record wind readings, similar to ship flags at sea.
Kites were brought to Japan about the 7th century by Buddhist monks. They were used to avert evil spirits and to insure rich harvests. ... Kite flying became very popular in Japan during the Edo period. For the first time Japanese people below the samurai class were allowed to fly kites.
