What is Children’s Day in Japan? Celebrated annually on May 5th, Children’s Day is a national holiday that is part of Golden Week. This day is dedicated to honoring the uniqueness of children, nurturing their happiness, and expressing gratitude to mothers. However, because Children’s Day aligns with Tango no Sekku (端午の節句), customs and traditions from Tango no Sekku have become integrated into Children’s Day celebrations. In this article, we will introduce you to the traditional customs observed on May 5th.
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How do we celebrate Children's day in Japan?
In households with young boys, families typically observe four customs. These include displaying colorful carp flags, Samurai Armor, and a helmet, as well as taking an iris bath and eating traditional sweets like Chimaki and Kashiwa-Mochi.
Please take a look and enjoy learning about these traditions.
Colorful carp flag
Firstly, during this season, you’ll notice families displaying vibrant carp flags outside their homes. These flags, known as “鯉のぼり” (Koinobori) in Japanese, resemble carp and create a captivating sight as they dance in the breeze, giving the impression of swimming. They are a common sight in households with boys. The tradition of displaying Koinobori originates from the Edo period when samurai warriors carried similar flags into battle. Inspired by a legend in which carp turn into dragons by swimming upstream, the act of raising these flags symbolizes parents’ wishes for their sons to grow up strong and brave.
Additionally, it’s not just households that raise Koinobori. For example, at Tokyo Tower, an event features the raising of 333 Koinobori to match the tower’s height of 333 meters. For more details, please see here.
Samurai Armor and Helmet
Secondly, households with young boys often display Samurai Armor and Helmet, in addition to Koinobori. In Japanese, armor is known as “鎧” (Yoroi), and a helmet is referred to as “兜” (Kabuto). These items symbolize protection from illness and accidents, with people believing that they absorb bad luck on behalf of the child, providing a sense of safety.
Iris Bath
Thirdly, Iris Bath. Iris has a strong fragrance and has been valued in China for centuries as a way to ward off evil spirits. In May, when the weather can be unpredictable, it’s a tradition to take a bath with Japanese Iris to avoid getting sick. Japanese Iris is called “菖蒲” (Shobu), and the bath is known as “菖蒲湯” (Shobu-yu). To make an iris bath, simply put the plant’s roots and leaves in warm water in the tub.
Chimaki, and Kashiwa-Mochi
Lastly, there is a custom to eat “ちまき” (chimaki) and “柏餅” (kashiwa-mochi). The item at the top of the photo is “ちまき” (chimaki), a cylindrical rice cake made of white rice flour wrapped in a bamboo leaf. People eat these to pray for good health. Additionally, the item at the front of this photo is “柏餅” (kashiwa-mochi), a traditional Japanese sweet made by wrapping sweet bean paste in a dough of mochiko (rice flour) and shiratamako (sweet rice flour), and then wrapping it in an oak leaf. These confections are eaten with the wish that the family line will continue, as it is said that the oak tree does not shed its old leaves until new buds appear.
Overall, these customs reflect the deep-rooted traditions and beliefs surrounding Children’s Day in Japan.
Reference: Cabinet Office, Government of Japan, Public Holidays in Japan, march 2024, https://www8.cao.go.jp/chosei/shukujitsu/gaiyou.html
