Koinobori: The Colorful Carps That Swim in the Sky

In Japan, Children’s Day (こどもの日 / Kodomo no Hi), celebrated on May 5th, is a joyful occasion when families pray for the health and happiness of their children. One of the most iconic symbols of this day is the koinobori — carp-shaped streamers that flutter proudly in the wind. The traditional children’s song Koinobori captures this festive spirit through a simple yet vivid poem about these flying carps.

Japanese Lyrics

やねより　たかい　こいのぼり
おおきい　まごいは　おとおさん
ちいさい　ひごいは　こどもたち
おもしろそうに　およいでる

Romaji (Latin Alphabet)

yaneyori takai koinobori
ookii magoi wa otoosan
chiisai higoi wa kodomotachi
omoshirosou ni oyoideru

English Interpretation (Simple & Poetic)

Carp streamers flying higher than rooftops,
The big black carp is the father,
The little red carps are the children,
They swim playfully in the sky.

What Makes This Song Special

The carp, or koi, is admired in Japanese culture for its strength and determination, especially its ability to swim upstream. That’s why koinobori represent the wish for children to grow up healthy, resilient, and full of life. This short song is often sung in schools and at home leading up to May 5th, as families decorate their houses with colorful carps fluttering in the spring breeze.

With Dinolingo’s Japanese lessons for kids, young learners can hear the melody of Koinobori, watch animated carps “swim” on screen, and repeat the vocabulary through playful activities. The platform uses visuals, repetition, and cultural stories to help children ages 2–14 absorb language naturally and joyfully — whether on the web or through iOS and Android apps.