Gunma Koinobori Village Festival

Gunma Koinobori Village Festival - こいのぼりの里まつり: Koinobori is one of Japan many beautiful traditions that comes full of history and meaning. These carp streamers were originally created to celebrate the Tango no Sekku Festival, celebrated on the 5th day of the 5th moon in the lunar calendar. Today, Koinobori are flown to celebrate Kodomo no Hi, or Children’s Day all across Japan.

The story goes that Koi (carp) fish was was chosen as a symbol for Boys’ Day because the Japanese consider it the most spirited fish, full of energy and power, that it can fight its way up swift-running streams and cascades.

To celebrate this beautiful meaning and the day itself, the City of Tatebayashi in Gunma annually holds the world’s largest Koinobori festival, with between 5,000 up to 6340 Koinobori flying around the city and the river depending on the year