Children’s Day in Japan: Kodomo no Hi and the Tradition of Tango no Sekku
September 9th 2025
Exploring the history, meaning, and symbolism of Japan’s beloved festival, celebrated with carp streamers and cultural traditions.
Children’s Day, known in Japan as Kodomo no Hi and originally as Tango no Sekku, is a national holiday celebrated every year on May 5th. Today it honours the happiness and wellbeing of all children, but its history stretches back over a thousand years.
From Tango no Sekku to Kodomo no Hi
The festival began during the Heian period (794–1185) as one of Japan’s five seasonal observances. At first, it was a festival dedicated to boys, complementing Hinamatsuri (Doll’s Festival) for girls in March. Samurai families displayed armour, helmets, and warrior dolls to encourage strength, courage, and protection for their sons.
In 1948, after the Second World War, the holiday was renamed Kodomo no Hi and officially became a celebration for all children, reflecting modern values of equality while preserving its traditional roots.
Close up of a pair of Japanese satsuma VASES featuring CHILDREN’S day available in our JAPANESE satsuma collection at jacksons antique
The Symbolism of Carp Streamers (Koinobori)
Perhaps the most iconic image of Children’s Day is the sight of koinobori, brightly coloured carp streamers flying outside homes and public spaces. The carp was chosen because of its association with strength, determination, and perseverance. In Japanese folklore, a carp that swims upstream and conquers waterfalls transforms into a dragon, a powerful metaphor for children overcoming challenges to grow into strong, successful adults.
Each streamer carries symbolic meaning: the largest black carp (magoi) represents the father, the red or pink carp (higoi) represents the mother, and additional smaller carp are added for each child in the family.
Close up of a pair of JAPANESE satsuma VASES featuring CHILDREN’S day available in our JAPANESE satsuma collection at jacksons antique
Children’s Day in Art and Culture
The imagery of Children’s Day has long inspired Japanese art. Carp streamers, samurai figures, and festival scenes can be seen throughout Japanese history in design especially in wears produced during the Meiji period. For example, the above pair of Satsuma vases by Kanzan for the Yasuda Company feature detailed paintings of families and children with koinobori, directly referencing the traditions of May 5th and capturing the cultural significance of the festival.
Owner at Jacksons Antique
I am an antique dealer and owner of Jacksons Antique, specialising in fine antiques with a particular focus on Japanese art and European decorative objects. With over a decade of experience in the antiques trade, I source and curate pieces for collectors across the UK, the United States, and the international market.
Working primarily online alongside select exhibitions, I am part of a newer generation of dealers helping to modernise the way antiques are researched, presented, and acquired. My approach is built on careful attribution, transparent descriptions, and historically grounded research so clients can buy with confidence.
Through Jacksons Antique, I aim to make important historic objects accessible to both established collectors and those developing their collections.
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