"Koinobori" are raised as the symbol of Children's Day and they consist of a streamer, some carp-shaped windsocks and some special items. In Japanese tradition, Japanese family purchase Koinobori for the Children's Day when there is a birth of son in the family, and raising them from the beginning of April through the end of May at their home. Then, "why are they carps?" The story is from a Chinese legend that is called "To-ryu-mon Densetsu". When a carp finished climbing a rushing waterfall, it becomes a dragon at the dragon gate where is called "To-ryu-mon". The legend tell us the strength of the carp, the ability to overcome obstacles and a success. That's why, people are raising carps praying their children's healthy growth and success in their life. The view of scenery where Koinobori is swimming in the sky that makes us imagine the legend.

Koinobori also include special items without carps, They are "Fukinagashi", "Kaiten-kyu" and "Ya-guruma".

Fukinagashi: 5 colors streamer means a protection from harm. A lot of family put their family crest on their Fukinagashi as a symbol of themselves.

Kaiten-kyu: Gold ball-shaped spring vale is a sign to gods.

Yaguruma: A pair of arrow-spoked wheels also means a charm against evil influence. The arrows turn all directions and keep out of harm's way.

Children's Day: May 5th is a national holiday in Japan. However that day is also called Tamgo-no-sekku for boys. People are displaying armor dolls, helmets, tigers, horse, many flags, Shoki Doll who look so scary and a doll of the first emperor, Jinmu Ten-noh. These displays are decorated in their house and raising Koinobori on their yard for their sons' healthy growth and success on the day.

On the other hand, there is a Girls' Day that is called Hina-Matsuri on March 3rd. People set Hina Dolls for girls in their house for a month approximately include the day.

Long time ago, Koinobori used to be a symbol of dad and sons that means no women there. However, the styles of raising Koinobori is completely changed. At the present time, the number of carps became the symbol of the number of family member. Most of people in Japan think the biggest black carp on the top is dad, the red carp on the second place is mom, then, the carps of other colors are children.

When a family who has son, they pray his happiness and healthy growth by putting or raising carps various place and various styles, even if it is in their living room. There are a lot of family who are adding a new carp for daughter now. Furthermore, you can see Japanese people love raising Koinobori every where. For example, from the beginning of April to the middle of June, a lot of colorful colors with various style carps are raised by the local governments, organizations and companies. They want to tell that children all of the world are treasure by raising carps.

Please refer Japanese website and ask us anytime in English.