Children’s Day in Japan

Children’s Day is part of the Golden Week, which is the longest holidays beside Obon and New Year for most Japanese people. It is a national holiday which takes place on May 5th.  On Children’s Day, parents and relatives celebrate their son’s well being, happiness and health. The Japanese government designated this a national holiday in 1948.

You will see many koinobori , which means “carp streamer” in Japanese everywhere around the Children’s Day.

Growing up in Japan, I remember singing Koinobori no Uta, meaning Koinobori’s song.  Koinobori is usually hung up the roof on a pole from top down, and they are displayed in certain order.