On a crisp autumn morning, colorful hot-air balloons took off from a riverbed in the southwestern Japanese city of Saga for the opening of one of Asia's largest festivals for the aircraft on Nov. 1.The five-day Saga International Balloon Fiesta will feature 111 balloons from 18 countries and regions, with competitors taking part in a variety of challenges including precision maneuvers.Crowds gathered from early morning to watch the brightly colored balloons take off along Saga's Kase River, cheering as the picturesque blue sky turned into a vibrant canvas.Apart from the competition, another…READ FULL ARTICLE