Traditional battledore market 'Hagoita Ichi' opens in Tokyo (5 images)

Various varieties of Battledore are on display with the Sensoji Temple in the background. This annual market features hago-ita, also known as battledore, which are decorative bats which are used to play the traditional New Year’s game of hanetsuki. The game is like a cross between badminton and table tennis.

The battledore sold at Hagoita-ichi are purely decorative and serve as good luck charms. The front of the battledore is designed with images of Kabuki actors, or popular celebrities, TV personalities, athletes, and anime characters of the year.

A vendor sells battledore during the opening day of the market. The market typically features around 50 stalls selling battledores, kites and other New Year decorations.

This is a traditional fair dates back to the Edo Period in the 17th century but didn't gain popularity until after World War II.