Celebrating Children's Day in Japan

As the gentle spring breeze sweeps across Japan, May 5th marks a very special celebration: Children’s Day (Kodomo no Hi). It's a time to wish for the health, happiness, and growth of children across the country. Rooted in a centuries-old tradition known as Tango no Sekku, Children's Day beautifully blends ancient customs with modern family fun. Let’s dive into the history and how Japan celebrates this meaningful day!

What is Children’s Day?

Children’s Day is a national holiday in Japan, dedicated to celebrating the healthy growth and happiness of children. While today it celebrates all children, it originally focused on wishing for the success and strength of boys.

One of the most iconic sights during this season is the colorful koinobori—carp-shaped windsocks fluttering proudly in the wind. In Japanese culture, carp symbolize strength and perseverance because they swim upstream against strong currents. Families raise koinobori to encourage their children to grow up resilient and brave.

The Origins of Tango no Sekku

Children’s Day has its roots in an ancient Chinese tradition where May 5th was a day to ward off evil spirits using herbs like iris and mugwort. When the custom came to Japan, it evolved into Tango no Sekku, a day to pray for the health and success of boys, especially among the samurai class.

The iris plant, called shobu in Japanese, sounds like the word for "victory" (shobu), making it a symbol of strength. Even today, many families take a shobu-yu (iris bath) on May 5th, hoping to protect against illness and bring good fortune.

How Japanese Families Celebrate Children's Day

On Children’s Day, you’ll see a variety of special decorations and foods, each carrying deep symbolic meanings:

• Koinobori (Carp Streamers)
  Colorful carp flags are flown outside homes and public spaces, representing wishes for children’s strength and success.

• Gogatsu Ningyo (Samurai Dolls and Armor Displays)
  Families display miniature suits of samurai armor or helmets (kabuto) to inspire bravery and resilience in their children.

• Special Foods: Kashiwa Mochi and Chimaki
  Kashiwa Mochi are sweet rice cakes wrapped in oak leaves (oak trees symbolize family prosperity), while Chimaki are sticky rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves. Both are traditional treats that wish for good health and protection from evil.

Children's Day in Modern Japan

Today, many families combine traditional customs with modern celebrations. They might visit amusement parks, join family festivals, or simply spend the day together outdoors. Many shops, malls, and event spaces host Children’s Day fairs, full of games, crafts, and activities.

While traditions like koinobori and kashiwa mochi remain beloved, the modern spirit of the holiday focuses on celebrating children's individuality and dreams in a joyful, relaxed way.

A Traditional Touch: Sake and Herbal Drinks

Although Children's Day focuses on celebrating young lives today, the origins of Tango no Sekku included rituals for protection against misfortune, and adults would sometimes drink medicinal sake infused with iris leaves.

This special sake, believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good health, was part of the original customs. While it’s less common today, some traditional celebrations still include iris-infused drinks or seasonal sake, offering a glimpse into the ancient roots of the holiday.

Children’s Day in Japan is a beautiful mix of old traditions and new celebrations. It’s a time when families honor their children’s strength, happiness, and future, surrounded by colorful decorations, meaningful customs, and lots of delicious food.

If you ever visit Japan in early May, don’t miss the chance to see the vibrant koinobori flying in the sky and to experience a heartwarming celebration of childhood and family love.