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Birdman Rally in Hikone, Shiga
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Every year at the end of July the "Toriningen" (Japan International
Birdman Rally) is held on the shores of Lake Biwa in the country town of Hikone, Shiga Prefecture. The object of
the competition is to see who can go the furthest in a glider or human-powered aircraft. Participants, mostly from
Japanese universities, build some amazing flying machines of all sizes and shapes. Some are kept aloft by pedal
power connected to a propeller while others rely solely on their aerodynamic design and the discretion of the wind.
With a little help from their friends they hurl themselves off the top of a 20-meter high platform jutting out
into Lake Biwa. The majority of these would-be aviators meet sudden disappointment by plunging directly into the
waters below. A few actually make it several hundred meters out into the lake, with the record flight being more
than 26 kilometers.
Although the main attraction at the Birdman Rally is watching people attempt motorless flight, there is much more
to stimulate the imagination. Team members not involved in launching their aircraft from the platform gather in
the pits to cheer on their comrades. They dress up in silly costumes, sing and dance, and basically make as much
noise as possible to show their support. Equally as fascinating is watching the flying machines being assembled
on the beach. Most are made of thin sheets of Styrofoam, balsa wood, cellophane and high-strength light-weight
carbon plastics which are held together with glue, staples and lots of tape. In the midst of it all are many great
opportunities for people watching and taking photos. |
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Unloading Plane From Truck
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Aircraft Assembly
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Finishing Touches on Wing
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Adding Wing Skin
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Assembling Airplane Frame
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Completed Aircraft
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Pilot Standing by Cockpit
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Shelter From the Sun
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Official Birdman Rally T-Shirt
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Ready to Go
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Waiting for Their Turn
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The Launch Platform
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High Above Lake Biwa
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Unsuccessful Attempt
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Taking Flight
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Taking Off
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Festival Attire
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Dancers Rallying Their Team
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Classical Drum Music
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Cheer Leaders
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Capturing the Event on Film
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Bystander
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Best Seat in the House
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Festival Spirit
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Tutu and Goose Neck (?)
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Anpanman Mask
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Diapers & Baby Powder (?)
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Recovery Team Relaxing
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Aircraft Specifications
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Airplane Hat
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Cooling Off in the Lake
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Lunch Break
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Recovering Plane from Lake
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Still in One Piece
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Recovering Plane Parts
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The Prizes
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