Hot-air balloon festival takes off in Saga, western Japan

The Yomiuri Shimbun

November 4, 2021

Colorful balloons take off from the banks of the Kase River Thursday morning in Saga City during the 2021 Saga International Balloon Fiesta, which is being held for the first time in two years. Sixty-eight balloons — about 40 less than usual — are scheduled to take to the air in the annual festival that runs through Saturday. The organizer is livestreaming the event on YouTube as no spectators are allowed in the area.