Children’s Day 子供の日

From time to time we want to tell you about special days, holidays, and such here in Japan. On the 4th of May is what used to be Boy’s Day and is celebrated as such in many ways but overall has come to be known as Children’s Day. There is an equivilant day for girls in March. Each is celebrated in just a little different way.

Originally families with boys hang colorful carp kites, called Koinobori, outside their houses – one for each boy, with the biggest representing the oldest boy at the top. The kites flutter in the wind and look beautiful, as you can see in the photo below! In Japanese culture, the carp (or koi) represents courage and perseverance, as the fish is known for its strength and determination as it swims against the current upstream. The carp kite symbolizes each family’s wish for their sons to grow up brave and strong. Beings now the day is for all children, they fly a ‘family’ of kites that instead of just the boys, represents the parents and the children of the family.