Koinobori (carp streamers) for decorating your garden Small koinobori (carp streamers) for balconies For Children's Day on May 5th For gardens

A small carp streamer for decorating your garden on your balcony

[Learn more about Children's Day, First Festival, and Boys' Festival]

A list of compact and stylish May dolls

What is the origin of carp streamers? | The meaning of Children's Day and Tango no Sekku

Carp streamers are used as a symbol of hope for the healthy growth of boys.

Carp streamers were originally introduced from China.

To convey to children the strength and bravery of carp,
They came to be hung up in hopes of boys' growth .

The name comes from the word koi, which means fish streamer .


It was also called Satsuki Nobori or Carp Streamers.


The consensus of the Japan Carp Streamer Association is that carp streamers are those that are displayed outdoors.
Those that are displayed indoors are called "decorative carp" or "indoor carp streamers."

Carp streamers are a part of Japanese culture,
In Japan, they are displayed on Children's Day and Boys' Day.

Carp symbolize strength and vitality, and by displaying carp streamers, people hope for the healthy growth of children.

Carp streamers also represent prayers for the happiness of families and society as a whole .

The history and cultural background of carp streamers: Japanese and Chinese influences

Carp streamers from the Edo period, from Utagawa Hiroshige's "One Hundred Famous Views of Edo" by Suidobashi Suruga

The earliest carp streamers were black carp .

At that time, Nishikigoi were not yet popular,

The painting shows only the carp on display.

The first carp streamers were black carp,

Eventually, they became two colors: Magoi (red carp) and Higoi (red carp),

Blue carp was also added to represent family.

What is the First Doll Festival? | The role of carp streamers to celebrate boys' growth

Decorating carp streamers on Children's Day symbolizes the growth of children and family bonds.

It is also an important cultural event that celebrates hope for the future.

1. Celebrate the growth of your boy

Children's Day (May 5th) was once called Tango no Sekku.

It was a day to celebrate the boy's growth.

Carp streamers are displayed as a symbol of hope for the healthy growth of boys.

Carp symbolize strength and courage, and children will

We hope that you will be encouraged and grow healthily.

2. It symbolizes family ties

Carp streamers are also seen as a symbol of family ties.

In traditional carp streamers, the black carp represents the father and the red carp represents the mother.

And the little carp can represent children.

This is a family bond

It expresses parents' hopes for their children's growth .



3. Hopes and Wishes for the Future

Carp streamers are filled with wishes for happiness and prosperity for families and society as a whole .

Carp streamers dancing in the wind symbolize hope and bright prospects for the future .

It expresses wishes for happiness for children and their families.

Enjoy carp streamers during Golden Week |

Family Spring Time

Since the COVID-19 pandemic

The values of Japanese people's lives are changing .

Especially during the long Golden Week holiday ,


Stay indoors and enjoy the gentle green breeze

People are spending more time relaxing with their families in the living room at home .

Decorate carp streamers,

This kind of family time spent relaxing together is becoming a recent trend .

The sight of cherry blossoms falling and new greenery blooming all at once is like

It feels as comfortable as being blown by a spring breeze.

Brightly colored carp sway in the wind,

The figure that stands out against the blue sky,

It reminds me of the innocent joy of childhood .

During the peaceful days of Golden Week,

The family decorates carp streamers together,

Gazing at this beautiful sight is truly a blissful moment that soothes the soul .

While watching the carp streamers swimming quietly,

Family smiles and conversations are constantly exchanged

Such warm moments are memories I will never forget .

Carp streamers don't just sway in the wind,

It also serves as an opportunity to strengthen family bonds.

By enjoying traditional Japanese culture with your family,

We can forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life and spend a relaxing time.

The carp streamers fill the air with smiles and laughter from family members.

I want to cherish such luxurious time.

The meaning of carp streamer colors and numbers | Black, red, and blue symbolize family

In the 19th century, carp streamers became increasingly larger .

Some of the red carp (black carp) were over 10 meters long.

Therefore, carp streamers, which have the image of fish,

・The shape of the carp streamer itself is scary

・Fish eyes are scary (it's scary when our eyes meet)

This kind of thing used to happen in the past.

Nowadays, the design is more elegant

Compact carp streamers are also becoming more common, so

This carp streamer is fun and easy for children to understand.

Until what age should carp streamers be displayed? | How siblings display them and regional differences

Until what age do you fly carp streamers?

Carp streamers are a seasonal feature.


The way its beautiful figure sways in the wind

It symbolizes the arrival of spring and the growth of children.

It will deepen the bonds between family members and create a happy time.

By decorating carp streamers together as a family,

You can create heartwarming memories while feeling the change of seasons .

How many types of carp streamers are there?

There are two main types of carp streamers.

The "ground type" is raised from the ground using a pole or rod.

Apartments, etc.

This is a "balcony type" that is fixed to the balcony with metal fittings.

Recently, carp streamers have become popular as they are compact, simple and easy to decorate.

Garden from the balcony Diagonal view from the balcony


Types that can be installed in the garden are becoming popular .

What do streamers and spinning balls mean? | The five colors and their power to ward off evil

The round ornament at the top of the carp streamer's pole is
It is also called a rotating sphere or a celestial sphere .

It is called Ogishiro .
The windsocks sway in the wind,
It makes the carp streamers look more beautiful and vivid.

It is also said to be a landmark that helps the gods find you .

The things that are placed on both sides below this rotating ball are called arrow wheel decorations.

Both have become popular and evolved as decorations to add a touch of elegance to carp streamers.

The one swimming at the very top of the carp streamer is
It is called "carp streamer streamer."

The streamers on carp streamers have meaning.

Basically, it is named "Five-colored streamers" and has the meaning of warding off evil spirits.

At shrines, the colors of these streamers are still used as a traditional custom.

The colors and order of the streamers at shrines and carp streamers vary.
It has ancient ideas and meanings.

These five-colored streamers are
It usually comes in five colors.

"Blue" → "Red" → "Yellow" → "White" → "Black"

This has the meaning of the five colors of Goshiki.

What is "Five Colors"?

It originates from the Chinese theory of the five elements,
All things are made up of five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water
The idea is that it consists of:

Each of the five colors has a meaning,

・Blue = Symbol of "trees," "east," and "spring"

・Red = symbol of "fire," "south," and "summer"

Yellow = symbol of "earth," "center," and "seasonal change"

・White = Symbol of "gold," "west," and "autumn"

・Black = symbol of "water," "north," and "winter"

It is said that...

※Green instead of blue,
Purple and orange are sometimes used instead of black.

The order of the five colors also has meaning.

Blue = Wood burns and creates fire

↓

Red = Ash remains after burning

↓

Yellow = Ash returns to the earth

↓

White = Metal is obtained by digging the soil

↓

Black = Some of the steam condenses on the metal surface, producing water

The water returns to the tree (blue),
This creates a positive cycle that produces more and more.
It is also used as a talisman and protection from evil spirits.

Carp streamers and shrine streamers,
These five colors are used as a talisman to pray for the health and safety of children.

However, streamers, which emphasize modern design within traditional culture, are also popular these days.

There is also the option to choose according to your preference.

When should you display carp streamers?

Schedule before and after Children's Day

Like Hina dolls, the Boys' Festival decorations include:
In some areas, the festival is celebrated about a month later, called the Kyu-Sekku festival.

In line with the culture and traditions of the family and community,
It's a good idea to decide how you will decorate and for how long you will keep the decorations up.

How to put away carp streamers |

What to do when Children's Day is over?

When is the time to put away the carp streamers?

Generally, after Children's Day (May 5th),

Or it depends on the season and your household situation.

After Children's Day

It is common to take down carp streamers after Children's Day has passed.


Children's Day is May 5th

Some families continue to display carp streamers even after that.

Depending on the season and weather, carp streamers may be exposed to wind and rain.

Therefore, depending on the season and local climate,

It may be advisable to put it away during times when it is more susceptible to wind and rain.

As the rainy season in June is approaching,

It is best to choose the best time based on your family and local customs.

Summary | Carp streamers connect family ties and memories of the first festival

Flying carp streamers with your family during the long Golden Week holidays is

It's a great opportunity to strengthen family bonds and spend some special, memorable time together.

Spending relaxing time with family,

Forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life and refresh your body and mind.

You can strengthen your bond .

Watching the carp streamers swaying in the wind, the atmosphere is filled with smiles and laughter.

Enjoy your precious time and spend happy moments with your family.