May 5th Children’s Day in Japan

こんにちは！May 5th is celebrated as Children’s Day in Japan, known as Kodomo no Hi (こどものひ), and also traditionally called Tango no Sekku (端午の節句). This special day is dedicated to celebrating the health, happiness, and growth of children. To mark the occasion, many Japanese families raise colorful carp-shaped windsocks called koinobori (こいのぼり), which are flown from balconies, gardens, and rooftops.

Each carp has symbolic meaning. The black carp represents the father, the red or pink carp symbolizes the mother, and the smaller, often vibrant and colorful carps represent each child in the family. The carp was chosen because it is known for its strength and ability to swim upstream—qualities that parents hope to instill in their children.

Children’s Day has deep roots in East Asian tradition and was originally celebrated across China, Korea, and Japan on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month. It was meant to mark the beginning of the rainy season and celebrate the strength and well-being of young boys in particular. In modern-day Japan, the celebration includes all children and is a national holiday, falling right in the middle of Golden Week, one of the country’s most anticipated vacation periods.

A popular treat on this day is kashiwamochi—soft rice cakes filled with sweet red bean paste and wrapped in kashiwa (oak) leaves. The oak leaf is a symbol of prosperity and family continuity, as the tree never sheds old leaves until new ones grow, representing a family that stays strong through generations.

Another tradition for families with boys is to display a kabuto (a traditional samurai helmet), symbolizing strength, bravery, and protection. Some families purchase beautifully crafted kabuto displays, which can be elaborate and expensive, sometimes costing up to $1,000.

At DinoLingo, we think it would be absolutely wonderful to be a child in Japan on Kodomo no Hi—a day filled with colorful skies, delicious sweets, symbolic traditions, and a whole nation celebrating the joy and future of its children!

Online Japanese lessons for kids: dinolingo.com