The rivers are filled with colorful carp floating in the wind
Every year from the end of March to the beginning of May, rivers in the city of Tatebayashi are invaded by thousands of multicolored carps. But it's not the kind of fish we're used to seeing in the region's rivers. They are man-made and unlike their natural “cousins”, these swim gracefully in the wind.
Koinoboris in free translation, “bcarp treadmill”, are pennants made of multicolored fabric in the shape of carps. In various sizes and styles, they were used as an ornament to celebrate Boys' Day, as a masculine symbol of strength and obstinacy. Nowadays, the custom ended up syncretizing with the celebration of the Japanese Children's Day, which takes place on the same day, May 5, which makes the koinoboris acquire a meaning more related to the children's vitality and happiness.
The origin of the custom of hanging these pennants in celebration of Boys' Day is not very well defined. There are reports that since the Edo Era, wealthy families decorated their homes with koinoboris in celebration of the Boys Day.
The Koinobori Festival in Tatebayashi has been cited in Guinness Books
O Tatebayashi's Koinobori Festival happens at the same time as the Sakura Festival and the Azalea Festival, between the end of March and the beginning of May. The number of pennants varies from year to year, and in 2005 the festival received the title of Largest Carp Streamer Festival in the World by Guinness with 5.283 pennants.
See some numbers:
2019 – 4.300 streamers
2015 – 5.135 streamers
2012 – 6.340 streamers
2005 – 5.283 streamers
Koinobori and Sakura together: unforgettable
This year there are 4.300 koinoboris spread over 5 points in the city. We visited the point on the banks of the Tsuruda River and which is next to the Tatebayashi Prefecture. As thousands of tiny koi sway in the wind over the river, koinoboris with more than 10 meters float majestically on the banks of the river, hanging from masts.
If you missed the cherry blossoms, you can enjoy the tour and enjoy the azaleas that bloom exactly at this time. At night special lighting offers a totally different experience for visitors. Take your camera and good pictures! Oh, don't forget to share it with us on our Facebook and Instagram.
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