WHY WE DO IT TODAY

Bent Air Balloons has always been about bringing cheer to family.

Balloons are most of all heartwarming: they're big, brilliant symbols of celebration across the world. Wherever balloons appear, people gather to smile, to spend time together, and to feel as colourful as life itself. Even though they eventually pop or deflate, the memories that balloons help create will last forever, especially for young children.

THE ADVENTURE THAT STARTED EVERYTHING

Bent Air's story is about one child who didn't get a balloon on a beautiful day, and how his father made sure it would never happen again no matter how old he got.

Bent Air Balloons began on Granville Island, BC. That sunny day in 1998 had no holiday or festival, just one spontaneous decision to have a father-son day. Mike Akizuki brought his 5 year-old son out to Vancouver for the first time. The whole city was brand new for Joshua, the big buildings, bridges, endless shops and signs, and all the people! It was marvelous. Even Mike had a great time; it was years since he'd gone anywhere nice being so occupied at the factory in Surrey.

No doubt the walk to the car at the end held one last surprise though: those colourful things Mike and his family now know so dear, balloons! Twisted up characters adorned a balloon busker's stand: monkeys, superheroes, wands, swords and all. The young boy was full of wonder for the Mickey Mouse hanging there, but like many kids, had no sense of its $25 cost. So much fun was already had, this last expense was too much for a single father.

What was Mike to do, to keep this day so perfect? He knew his son was quietly hiding disappointment. It was a quick thought. He made Joshua a promise to bring something better than one balloon ever could.

He saved and committed that money to buy a book on twisting a few days later, including balloons and a pump! Practicing and practicing (and popping and popping), Mike finally gave his son that balloon he wanted, feeling prouder than ever.

AND SO THE PASSION NEVER ENDS

Obviously, he hasn't stopped since! He continued this new artful passion between making dinner and working up to corporate management. Now Mike lives a happier lifestyle twisting balloon creations for hundreds of kids a week as a full-time career. His artistic talent comes through this inspiring medium delivering unique, never before seen renditions of our favourite characters, animals, mascots and imaginations.

Our origin story ends here, but let it show how much love goes into this craft. If you only heard all the balloons inflating, popping and squeaking, you might get sick of it. But from one son that got to see all the joy and smiles that balloons bring, it's been more than worth it.


This site is dedicated to my loving father.
- Joshua Akizuki