Koinobori

Structure of the pole

A complete display sits on a tall pole topped by a pair of arrow-spoked wheels called yaguruma and a spinning sphere. Just beneath hangs a windsock, which either carries family crests or displays five colours drawn from ancient Chinese philosophy. Beneath the windsock, carp streamers flutter in the breeze. The highest and largest streamer is black, representing the father. Next comes a red or pink carp for the mother, followed by smaller fish in various bright shades, arranged from oldest to youngest child. In earlier times, red represented the eldest son, with other hues added for younger brothers.

Samurai origins and evolution

The practice began in the eighteenth century during the Edo period. Samurai households placed military banners and windsocks marked with family crests in their gardens during the seasonal festival of Tango no sekku. Over time, craftspeople in the city of Edo combined these flags into carp shapes. By the Meiji era, bright, colourful versions spread to the wider public. Originally a festival exclusively for boys, the holiday was renamed Children's Day in 1948 to celebrate daughters as well. While many households now fly streamers for every child, some families continue the older habit of raising them only for sons.

Festive customs and foods

Flying windsocks is part of a broader set of customs marking Children's Day at the conclusion of Golden Week. Inside houses, families display miniature samurai armor, protective helmets called kabuto, and warrior dolls. People take baths infused with iris leaves and prepare seasonal treats, such as sweet kashiwa mochi wrapped inside oak leaves and sake steeped with iris root. In certain areas, young boys crawl through hollow fabric streamers to receive good fortune. Throughout the holiday, children express gratitude to their parents, relatives, and teachers, and young voices frequently sing a well-known 1932 song dedicated to the swimming carp.

Materials and giant banners

Traditional streamers were painted by hand onto paper or cloth. While handmade paper and fine silk versions remain available at higher prices, modern streamers are usually sewn from synthetic fabrics that resist rain and strong winds. Sizes vary enormously, from tiny ornaments measuring just a few centimetres to giant versions several metres across. The city of Kazo in Saitama prefecture became famous for its craft when local makers produced a massive streamer in 1988. That colossal carp measured one hundred metres in length and weighed three hundred and fifty kilograms, requiring immense effort to lift into the air.

How Koinobori is kept

Across Japan, families hoist strings of carp streamers above rooftops, balconies, and open fields between April and early May. Household sets are assembled with spinning wheels at the peak, a streaming windsock underneath, and a descending row of fish representing each family member. Children take part in holiday events, bathe in iris-scented water, enjoy oak-leaf rice cakes, and thank their elders. In some communities, youngsters crawl through huge banners for good fortune.

When and where

Banners fly outdoors throughout April and early May. The celebrations centre on May 5, which marks the national holiday of Children's Day at the end of the annual Golden Week holiday period.

Koinobori are flown throughout Japan, outside private homes, along riverbanks, and across public parks, with notable displays in historic craft centres like Kazo in Saitama prefecture.

What Koinobori means

The carp stands for resilience, courage, and perseverance because of its power to swim against swift river currents. This imagery draws on a Chinese legend where a golden fish overcame a rushing waterfall to turn into a dragon. Flying these banners expresses a household's hope that their children will grow up vigorous, brave, and healthy.

On the table

• Kashiwa mochi
• Shōbu-sake

Days Koinobori is marked

Questions people ask about Koinobori

See also

HanamiA Japanese spring custom of gathering under blooming cherry trees to eat, drink, and celebrate the fleeting beauty of thSetsubunA Japanese ritual of throwing roasted soybeans to banish evil spirits and welcome spring.Children's DayA Japanese holiday on May fifth celebrating the happiness and growth of childrenAoi MatsuriA classical Kyoto festival with an imperial procession and ancient shrine rituals

Good reading and sources

• Koinobori on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos and video
• Wikidata recordOpen data

It may contain mistakes. Traditions differ from one family, village and community to the next, and the people who keep them know them best. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-04.