Japan has 16 national holidays in a year. In May, there was a child’s day, which occurred on May 5 Every year, hope for the growth of healthy children and their happiness for this year. Here you can learn how people celebrate children’s day in Japan!
When is the day of children in Japan?
As we mentioned above, children’s day is celebrated on May 5 in Japan. Officially founded in 1948, and has not been changed since then. There are children’s days in other countries too. For example, China and Russia celebrated it on June 1, because it was officially recognized as International Children’s Day which was originally stated at the World Conference on Child Welfare in 1925. Likewise, November 20 was officially known as World Children’s Day which was founded by the UN General Assembly in 1954. However, the days of these children are not exactly the same in Japan.
How to celebrate children’s day in japan
Whereas the day of children in the world means celebrating and protecting human rights for children, Japanese children’s day is closely related to Shintoism -Japanese native religion. Children’s Day in Japan initially only for boys while Hinamatsuri celebrates a healthy life of girls. Previously, traditional events were held to ward off evil spirits. So, what do we do to celebrate children’s day in Japan?
Show traditional “Kabuto” ornaments (HELF)
One of the most famous ways to celebrate children’s day in Japan is to display traditional ornaments like Kabuto (大) and Gogatsu-innyo (五月人形). Kabuto is a traditional samurai helmet with the most beautiful decoration. Gogatsu-Ningyo refers to Japanese soldiers who are equipped with Japanese armor and swords. People display it at home, hoping for the growth of healthy boys. It can be considered equivalent to Hina-ningyo (Hina Doll), a traditional beautiful doll for Hinamatsuri on March 3.
How to make kabuto with origami
If you like to make Kabuto at home, you can easily make it with origami!
- Fold paper diagonally.
Take the lower corner and fold up – like a triangle. Make sure all corners and edges are very neat. - Take both sides and fold up.
Take the two lower corners and fold it to the top point. Make sure the angle is not overlapping! - Fold the upper point to the bottom point.
- Rotate all paper (rotate paper 180 °).
- Make two horns (two horns out in the opposite direction).
Take the top two points and fold outside (easy to understand if you follow the instructions on the video). - Fold the bottom of the sheet to the middle & roll the bottom again.
- Take the back sheet and push in the pocket!.
Coinobori Streamer/ Carp
If you look up, especially in residential or rural areas in Japan, in early May, you will see some giant carp tape swimming gracefully in the sky. They were called Coinobori(こいのぼり) which has been considered as a symbol of strength and toughness since the Edo period (1603-1868) when the initial habit begins. Chart is a symbol of strength, courage, and success in Japanese culture because of their ability to swim upstream. The family will maintain this goldfish -shaped windsock to pray for perseverance and success. Traditionally, the set contains black Coinobori representing father, followed by smaller, red Coinobori representing his eldest son. If there are more boys in the family, additional goldfish are added. Red or pink Coinobori representing the mother of the family. Today, The Coinobori Generally consisting of large black Coinobori For fathers, the next largest (red or pink) for mothers, and additions, smaller carpu with different colors for each child, men, and women.
Eat Kashiwochi and Chimaki
Kashiwamochi And Chimney is a traditional Japanese candy for children’s day. Kashiwamochi is a sweet Mochi filled with red beans and wrapped in oak leaves. This tradition begins in the Edo period, and is believed to bring good luck to the house. Chimaki is Mochi wrapped in bamboo leaves, and originates from China and spread around Japan in the Heian period. It is believed to have the power to ward off the spirit -evil. In the Kanto region, it is common to eat Kashiwamochi on children’s day, but in the Kansai region on the other hand, it is more common to eat Chimaki than Kashiwamochi. Each region in Japan has a slightly different tradition for what to eat on children’s day.
Famous Koinobori Festival around Japan
Tokyo Tower (starting at the end of March-early)
You can see a special collaboration at the Tokyo Tower where 333 carp ribbons fly around the Tokyo symbolic tower. The number of goldfish represents the height of the Tokyo Tower, which attracts visitors with different colors and sizes. It also has a giant Pacific Saury called Do not think in Japanese. This is recognized as a symbol of hope and love for the City of ofunato in the Iwate Prefecture which is influenced by the earthquake in 2011. They will be seen from March 25 to May 6, 2025. So, don’t miss when you are here!
Get a ticket to the Tokyo Tower Main Observatory deck
Kanazawa/”koi-nagashi” (early May)
The unique traditional festival is held in the Asano River which flows through the city center of Kanazawa City. Colorful goldfish streamer hung on the bridge creates an impressive view with a peaceful river flow! They also let some of them under water, which literally seemed to be as if they were swimming in the river. You can enjoy this festival on May 4, 2025!
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Kannamachi in Gunma/Kanna Koinobori Matsuri (early May)
It is not widely known, but it must be worth a visit to a festival with a history of more than 30 years! 800 Koinobori is hung with a cable gracefully swimming over the Kanna river in Gunma prefecture. Various outdoor activities such as Kayak and rafting are also available. Enjoy this festival from May 3 to May 5, 2025!
To find out more about the Coinobori Festival in Japan; 10 Best Coinobori Festival in Japan
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Children’s Day in Japan is not only for children and their parents. It also offers great opportunities for everyone to learn traditional Japanese habits that can only be seen that day. If you don’t have children, or even not married, there are still various ways to enjoy a special day! You can try to make “Kabuto” and “Koinobori” with origami to bring Japanese tradition to your home.
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