Hello everyone! I’m MIMI.

KONNICHIWAー！（こんにちは）

What’s the Children’s Day?

In Japan, May 5th is celebrated as Children’s Day, also known as Tango no Sekku. Children’s Day is a day to wish for the healthy growth and happiness of all children.Originally, Tango no Sekku was a day to celebrate and pray for the growth and happiness of boys, but in 1948 it was established as a national holiday to pray for the growth and happiness of all children.

How to spend the Children’s Day

So, how is “Children’s Day” celebrated specifically?

As Children’s Day approaches, many houses and shops decorate with “Koinobori”!!

The carp is a symbol of Japan, known for being a strong fish that swims vigorously even in fast-flowing rivers. The term “koi no taki-nobori” (carp climbing the waterfall) is often used to symbolize strength and perseverance.

What does a “Koinobori(carp streamer)” look like?

Typically, “Koinobori” are made of paper, cloth, or non-woven fabric, featuring carp designs that flutter in the wind.At the top of the pole, there is a rotating ball or a basket ball, followed by a five-colored streamer, and then carp are lined up in order of size from the top: black carp, red carp, and blue carp…

Generally, the koinobori displayed outside are called “koinobori,” while those displayed indoors are referred to as “kazari-koi.”

Kazo City, famous for carp streamers

Kazo City in Saitama Prefecture is famous for producing these “koinobori”. The “Asahi Koi” from Kazo is especially well-known and has even been presented to the Crown Prince for his first Boy’s Festival.

I went to see 100 of these Asahi Koi displayed at Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo!

They were fluttering high in the sky. Although they looked small due to the height, each carp is about 3 to 5 meters long. All of these koinobori are from Kazo City, Saitama Prefecture. One of the contributors, “Kichigetsu Kaikan Sato Ushigoro Shoten,” has the honor of presenting koinobori to Emperor of Japan.

Kichigetsu Kaikan

Let’s take a look at “Kichigetsu Kaikan” website:
https://meloemi03061994.wixsite.com/kichigetsu

The shop is about an hour’s drive or just under two hours by train from Tokyo. In addition to koinobori, they also handle various Japanese dolls, such as hina dolls and hamayumi (traditional decorative arrows). These items each have their own history and cultural significance, which I will introduce to you another time!

Until we meet again! 

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ARIGATOU GOZAIMASHITAー！（ありがとうございましたー）

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The post 100 Koinobori Swimming in the Sky!!! first appeared on MIMI’s JAPAN.com.