【Introducing Japanese Culture】 “Children’s Day”
2025/4/15
Children’s Day is celebrated annually on May 5th in Japan.
This day is dedicated to celebrating children’s happiness and praying for their healthy growth.
Around this time in Japan, you start to see colorful carp banners or “Koinobori” raised in front of homes. Carp is a type of fish that swims upstream and signifies determination and vigor. In recent years three or more banners are usually decorated. Among them, it is believed that the biggest black one symbolizes a ‘father’, the second red one symbolizes a ‘mother’, and others symbolize “children”.
In addition, samurai displays called “Gogatsu Ningyo” or “Kabuto” are set up in each home to inspire strength and bravery in children.
This day is dedicated to celebrating children’s happiness and praying for their healthy growth.
Around this time in Japan, you start to see colorful carp banners or “Koinobori” raised in front of homes. Carp is a type of fish that swims upstream and signifies determination and vigor. In recent years three or more banners are usually decorated. Among them, it is believed that the biggest black one symbolizes a ‘father’, the second red one symbolizes a ‘mother’, and others symbolize “children”.
In addition, samurai displays called “Gogatsu Ningyo” or “Kabuto” are set up in each home to inspire strength and bravery in children.
Koinobori
Koinobori
Gogatsu Ningyo
Gogatsu Ningyo