We celebrated Hinamatsuri (雛祭り), also known as Doll's Day or Girl's Day, back in early March and the time has come for Japan to mark Kodomo no Hi (こどもの日), or Children's Day. The Japanese government designated Children’s Day as a national holiday in 1948, although it’s been celebrated for centuries and was originally one of the five annual ceremonies held as part of Japan’s Imperial Court. Previously known as Boy’s Day, the name was updated to commemorate both boys, girls, fathers and mothers in unity.
In Japan you’ll see many vibrant and colourful koinobori (koi carp streamers) raised outside in celebration of children’s happiness. Traditionally, a black carp represents the father and a red carp embodies the mother, with subsequent carps in different colours for each child in the family.
Similarly to Hinamatsuri, families might also display a traditional samurai doll in their homes to symbolise children's strength and vitality.