Carp in the Sky — Koinobori and the Symbolism of Strength, Growth, and Success
Spring in Tokyo. Look up, and you might notice something unusual—giant fish-shaped windsocks swimming through the sky. In the photo, taken at the foot of Tokyo Tower , colorful fish flutter together in the wind, as if they were alive. Why are there fish in the sky? What exactly are they? They are called koinobori —carp(koi) streamers displayed in Japan on May 5th. This day is known as Children’s Day, a national holiday today. Originally, however, it comes from an older seasonal festival called Tango no Sekku , introduced from China. It was once associated with warding off evil, but in Japan it gradually became a day to celebrate children—especially boys—and to wish for their growth and future success. “Suidobashi and Surugadai,” from One Hundred Famous Views of Edo (1857), by Utagawa Hiroshige , depicting koinobori flying in the sky Why Carp? — From Legend to Living Art But why carp? The answer lies in an old Chinese legend. In a story known as the “carp c...