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Koinobori & Sakura: Carp Streamers and Cherry Blossoms at Firefly Waterway Park春爛漫のほたる親水公園で泳ぐ鯉のぼり
Carp streamers (鯉のぼり, koinobori) have long been a colorful symbol of celebration in Japan, traditionally flown on the fifth day of the fifth month for Boys’ Day. Originally, a streamer was flown for each male child in the family. This tradition dates back to the Kamakura period (12th century), when Tango-no-Sekku was recognized as an official holiday by the shogunate. The practice continued until 1872, when the holiday lost its official status following the start of the Meiji Period.
From the Meiji Period until World War II, koinobori became increasingly popular among commoners as part of Boys’ Day celebrations. In 1948, the holiday was renamed Children’s Day (Kodomo-no-Hi) and became a national holiday to celebrate the happiness and healthy growth of all children, regardless of gender. Today, koinobori are typically flown from late April through early May to honor children across the country.
Koinobori are windsocks shaped like koi fish, with open mouths attached to a pole or rope so their tails flutter freely in the spring breeze. These poles are often topped with two arrow-shaped wheels (矢車, yaguruma) and a spinning ball-shaped vane, believed to attract the attention of the gods.
While not a strict rule, some of my friends’ and relatives’ families in rural areas still decorate their poles with a five-colored streamer representing the five elements of Chinese philosophy. Below that, they hang a large black or dark-colored koi to represent the father, a red koi for the mother, and smaller, colorful koi for each child.
But why koi fish? These freshwater fish are admired for their strength and perseverance, known for swimming upstream against swift currents. Because of this, koinobori have come to symbolize courage, determination, and success.
In modern Japan, koinobori can be seen flying from homes, schools, and public parks, especially during Golden Week. In cities where private yards are rare, communities often display large installations in open spaces, drawing young families, grandparents, and tourists alike. Whether in the countryside or urban parks, these vibrant streamers continue to inspire hope that children will grow up strong and resilient—and they make for a wonderful photographic subject on a warm spring afternoon.
As a fitting backdrop for seasonal celebrations, Hotaru Shinsui Kōen (ほたる親水公園, literally "Firefly Waterway Park") adds another layer of meaning to the koinobori display. Developed in 2014 by volunteers from three surrounding villages in Hokuto Town, the park was designed to harmonize with nature.
Fresh water from the nearby Ojira River is channeled into a series of slow-flowing, meandering creeks, creating an ideal environment for fireflies to thrive. Each spring, a local children’s club releases firefly larvae into the park, helping sustain a population that dazzles visitors with glowing displays from June to July. The combination of carp streamers fluttering above and fireflies dancing below highlights the deep connection between seasonal traditions and the natural rhythms of this rural community.
① Koinobori and Sakura
- Timestamp: 2025/04/08・12:26
- Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP
- 31 mm ISO 100 for 1/640 sec. at ƒ/4
② Koinobori and Mountains
- Timestamp: 2025/04/08・12:28
- Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP
- 63 mm ISO 100 for 1/250 sec. at ƒ/5.6
③ Koinobori and Village
- Timestamp: 2025/04/08・12:47
- Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP
- 105 mm ISO 100 for 1/400 sec. at ƒ/5.6
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