By MOTOKI NAGASAWA/ Staff Writer
November 4, 2021 at 19:17 JST
SAGA--The 2021 Saga International Balloon Fiesta opened on Nov. 4, marking the first time it has lifted off in two years as the COVID-19 pandemic forced its cancellation last year.
Just after 7 a.m. on opening day, the balloons were inflated with hot air produced by burners and slowly started floating upward in a gentle breeze under a clear blue sky over Saga, located on Japan’s southernmost main island of Kyushu.
Once a balloon had lifted about 240 meters off the ground, all that could be seen from the basket was the expanse of the huge Saga plain and, to the south, the Ariake Sea glimmering in the morning sun.
The annual event heralds the arrival of autumn and takes place mostly along the Kasegawa river.
This year, it was much smaller than usual.
Only 68 balloons, including some not taking part in the competition, came to the event. International participants are not allowed this year due to the pandemic.
Normally, more than 100 balloons would fly at the festival. The event will come to a close on Nov. 6.
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Balloons leave the ground by the Kasegawa river. (Eiji Hori)
