Since 1948, the fifth day of the fifth month has been distinguished as Children’s Day (Kodomo no Hi, こどもの日) in Japan – a day to commemorate and commend the nation’s youngest. All over Japan, you can catch the sight of the koinobori carps waving in the air, hung outside most Japanese homes. But despite this seemingly new inception, there is a more deep-seated history strongly connected to China, and this holiday was initially meant to celebrate young boys. What were the origins of Children’s Day? How do most people celebrate this holiday, and why did its original meaning from Boy’s Day get changed to Children’s Day?
In this blog, we’ll talk about the interesting origins of Children’s Day, and how people celebrate this holiday. We’ll even talk about the significance of the number five when it comes to this holiday, and how it’s connected to historical imperial court ceremonies as well.
What is Children’s Day?
Children’s Day is a day to celebrate children in Japan, and to wish for their health and happiness. It’s also a day to give gratitude to the mothers that raised their children as well.
The History of Children’s Day
Kodomo no Hi can be traced back to before the Nara era, when Empress Suiko reigned over Japan during 593AD and 628AD. Although, at that point, the day was known as Tango no Sekku (端午の節句) and it was dedicated only to boys and fathers. The literal meaning of Tango no Sekku becomes obvious with a little insight into Chinese zodiacs and the Lunar Calendar. Firstly, “tan” (端) means beginning, “go” (午) means horse and “sekku” (節句) means seasonal festival.
Putting these together, roughly translates to “the start of the horse seasonal festival”, which looks quite like gibberish at first glance. However, once we know that the horse corresponds to the Chinese zodiac name of the fifth Lunar Calendar month, the meaning becomes clear – the start of the fifth month’s festival. That being said, the rituals linked to Tango no Sekku could not be glimpsed from its literal definition, because the day was commonly regarded as the “Boys’ Day Festival”.
It was only through the post-war constitution that the government expanded the meaning of the day to include girls and mothers, becoming Children’s Day. Due to its long running history, and the fact that there is also a Girls’ Day, elements of the original holiday are still relevant today.
What does the number 5 have to do with Children’s Day?
So far, we have been looking at Children’s Day slightly out of context, making the number five appear symbolic. In reality, Tango no Sekku formed part of the Gosekku (五節句) – five annual ceremonies that were traditionally held at the Japanese imperial court.
These were:
- Double First (1st January): O-shougatsu (お正月), Japanese New Year
- Double Third (3rd March): Hanamatsuri (花祭り), Girls’ Day
- Double Fifth (5th May): Tango no Sekku (端午の節句), Boys’ Day
- Double Seventh (7th July): Tanabata (七夕), Star Festival
- Double Ninth (9th September): Kiku Matsuri (菊祭り), Chrysanthemum Festival
When is Children’s Day?
Children’s Day occurs on May 5th annually. It also marks the last day of Golden Week, which is a week-long holiday period that runs from April 29th to May 5th. The three other holidays that make up Golden Week include Showa Day, Constitution Memorial Day, and Greenery Day.
Below is a table that indicates which day Children’s Day is held. Plan your holidays accordingly!
| Year | Date | Day |
| 2026 | May 5th, 2026 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | May 5th, 2027 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | May 5th, 2028 | Friday |
| 2029 | May 5th, 2029 | Saturday |
| 2030 | May 5th, 2030 | Sunday |
What to do on Children’s Day
Compared to most Golden Week holidays, Children’s Day is more about celebrating children, so expect a variety of activities to be held throughout the country on this special day. Here are some traditions that always happen on Children’s Day, as well as our recommendations on what to do on Children’s Day:
Look at the koinobori streamers on display
Perhaps the most visible proclamations of Children’s Day are the elegant flying koinobori (carp-shaped wind socks) that adorn household roofs throughout Japan. These streamers originate from the Chinese legend which claimed that the perseverance and strength of an upstream swimming carp will transform it into a dragon.
Unlike the fire-breathing, power-hungry, destructive dragons of the West though, most Japanese dragons are believed to be benevolent water deities. Each koinobori flying represents a different member of the family, with black signifying the father, red the mother and various colours for the children (traditionally boys). Children’s Day may only be once per year, but you will usually see these beautiful koinobori swimming in the wind for several weeks.
Eat kashiwa mochi
Families celebrating Children’s Day also make kashiwa mochi rice cakes and display samurai armour – expressing a wish for strong and healthy boys. It usually consists of white mochi filled with a sweet red paste filling known as anko, wrapped with an oak leaf. Unlike sakura mochi, the oak leaf wrapping the mochi is not meant to be eaten.
Make an origami kabuto
A kabuto is a traditional helmet worn by samurai that symbolizes the wish for health and prosperity to boys. Traditionally, the kabuto would be displayed along with samurai armor and swords, but because these displays can be costly, most families would just display the kabuto, but even that’s expensive.
Instead of spending money to display a kabuto in your home, you can make your own origami kabuto! While we don’t have a guide to making your own origami kabuto, we recommend finding videos online on how to create it. Give it a try!
Take an iris leaf bath
This practice isn’t as common as it used to be, but some people partake in this practice on Children’s Day. Known as shoubu-yu (菖蒲湯), this practice involves taking a bath infused with iris leaves. It’s believed that these leaves would promote good health as well as drive away evil spirits. You can find iris leaves being sold at the supermarket before Children’s Day, so give this practice a try if you want to experience its health benefits!
Fly a kite at a park
Even if you don’t have children of your own, why not heal your inner child and fly a kite at a park? Children’s Day is meant to celebrate the child and to wish for their health and happiness, but that doesn’t mean that adults can’t participate in the festivities. There are many parks to play at, just make sure that the space is open enough for your kite.
Conclusion: Children’s Day is a day to wish for the health and happiness for children.
Children’s Day in Japan is not just a day for celebrating children. It’s a day to wish for the health and happiness of all children, and the traditions that take place during this holiday hold the same meaning; to ensure that children have a bright, happy, and prosperous future.
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FAQ
Will shops and restaurants be open on Children's Day?
Just like any public holiday in Japan, most shops and restaurants will still be open on Children’s Day. However, buildings such as post offices, banks, and ward offices will be closed.
How does Japan celebrate Children's Day?
Besides taking the day off work and school, many people celebrate Children’s Day by hanging koinobori carps outside their homes, and many families will go to festivals and events held throughout the country.
What are some foods eaten on Children's Day in Japan?
One food that’s common amongst Japanese households on Children’s Day is kashiwa mochi, a white rice cake filled with anko and wrapped in an oak leaf.