- Categories:
- Appreciation
- Tags:
- Children
- Where:
- Japan
- Date change rule:
- Every May 5
- Holiday emoji:
- 🎏
Children’s Day, or Kodomo no Hi, is a cherished Japanese holiday celebrated every May 5. It’s a day dedicated to respecting children’s individuality, celebrating their happiness, and wishing them strength and good fortune. Families raise colorful carp-shaped windsocks, koinobori, and enjoy traditional foods and activities. Join in the festivities by learning about Japanese culture, preparing special dishes, or spending quality time with children.
Want to sponsor Children's Day (Kodomo no Hi)? Learn how
Expected Children's Day (Kodomo no Hi) Deals
Children’s Day (Kodomo no Hi) is a time for families to celebrate, and many businesses offer special promotions. While we await official 2027 promotions, history shows retailers like Bandai Namco, Nintendo, and Sanrio often feature sales on toys, games, and character goods. Cultural institutions, such as the Ghibli Museum, may offer special family events or themed merchandise. Local Japanese restaurants often prepare special holiday menus, including chimaki (rice dumplings) and kashiwa mochi (oak leaf-wrapped rice cakes). Additionally, children’s clothing brands like UNIQLO might have discounts on their kids’ collections, and bookstores may highlight children’s literature. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as May 5 approaches.
Platform Guide for Children's Day (Kodomo no Hi)
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #KodomoNoHi. Share photos of koinobori, traditional Japanese sweets, or family celebrations.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #ChildrensDayJapan. Share stories of your favorite childhood memories or cultural traditions.
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #KodomoNoHi. Film short videos showcasing koinobori displays, making kashiwa mochi, or fun family activities.
Children's Day (Kodomo no Hi) Hero
Emperor Hirohito (ShĹŤwa Emperor)
History of Children's Day (Kodomo no Hi)
Kodomo no Hi was first celebrated as Tango no Sekku and was one of the five annual ceremonies held at the imperial court, called Gosekku. It is the Japanese equivalent of Double Fifth and was celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth moon in the Chinese calendar. The date was moved to May 5 when Japan switched over to the Gregorian calendar.
It is believed that Tango no Sekku was first celebrated during the reign of Empress Suiko, the 33rd monarch of Japan. It was first assigned to the fifth day of the fifth month after the Nara period in Japanese history. Until 1948, Tango no Sekku was known as Boys’ Day, with a separate Girls’ Day. However, on March 3, 1948, the Japanese government declared that this day was to be a national holiday, renamed Kodomo no Hi, meant to celebrate the happiness of all children, regardless of gender, and to express gratitude for mothers.
On this day, families raise koinobori, or carp-shaped windsocks, with a black carp to represent the father, a red or pink carp to represent the mother, and one green, orange, or blue carp for each child in the family. This tradition is based on a Chinese legend of a carp swimming upstream and becoming a dragon.
Children's Day (Kodomo no Hi) timeline
Tango no Sekku is celebrated for the first time.
Tango no Sekku is celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese calendar.
Japan switches to the Gregorian calendar.
The government declares May 5 as Kodomo no Hi, or Children’s Day.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Children's Day (Kodomo no Hi)
Local businesses can honor Children’s Day (Kodomo no Hi) by creating family-centric experiences. Restaurants could offer special children’s menus or themed bento boxes. Retailers might host craft workshops where kids can make koinobori or origami. Toy stores could organize storytelling sessions featuring Japanese folklore. Even non-Japanese businesses can participate by highlighting the universal theme of celebrating children and perhaps offering small, culturally inspired gifts or discounts for families.
Children's Day (Kodomo no Hi) FAQs
When is Children's Day (Kodomo no Hi)?
Children’s Day (Kodomo no Hi) in 2027 will be observed on Wednesday, May 5. It’s a time for families across Japan to celebrate the health and happiness of their children.
What is the significance of the koinobori?
The koinobori are a central visual element of Kodomo no Hi, with their vibrant colors and dynamic movement. They are flown outside homes and in public spaces to symbolize parents’ wishes for their children to grow up healthy, strong, and successful, overcoming obstacles with the carp’s spirit.
How is Children's Day celebrated across Japan?
Celebrations for Children’s Day are widespread, ranging from elaborate koinobori displays in parks to family gatherings at home. Children might take baths infused with iris leaves (shobu-yu) for good health, and parents often give gifts or spend quality time engaging in activities tailored for their kids.
What are the traditions of Kodomo no Hi?
The traditions for Children’s Day are rich with symbolism, aiming to ensure children’s health, happiness, and success. Besides the koinobori and dolls, families often participate in outdoor activities, visit shrines, and enjoy festive meals together, reinforcing familial bonds and cultural heritage.
How to Observe Children's Day (Kodomo no Hi)
Read up on Kodomo no Hi traditions and history
Kodomo no Hi is a wonderful festival. Look up its history and traditions.
Watch children’s media
If you want a relaxing activity for today, put on a children’s film. You can’t go wrong with any Studio Ghibli movie!
Spend time with the children in your life
If you’re so inclined, spend the day with your kids, nieces and nephews, siblings, or cousins. They’re sure to appreciate quality time with you
5 Facts About Childhood Development
Toddlers laugh 300 times a day
Children tend to laugh about 300 times per day, whilst adults usually laugh about 20 times in the same period.
Kids have issues with selective hearing
Kids can have trouble separating background noises from voices, making it harder for them to respond to direct words.
Most children are right-handed
About 90% of children are born right-handed.
Children begin watching T.V. at five months
Babies begin watching and paying attention to T.V. at about five months of age.
Babies develop color vision after birth
Children are born able to see only in black and white and their color vision develops a while after birth.
Why Children's Day (Kodomo no Hi) is Important
It’s an excuse to learn about a culture
Kodomo no Hi is deeply entrenched in Japanese culture. The day is an opportunity to learn more about a culture.
It celebrates children
Children are wonderful beings of pure potential. Kodomo no Hi celebrates them.
It celebrates individuality
Individuality is very often not given importance, especially in children. Kodomo no Hi is a good reminder to celebrate what makes each child wonderful and worthy of celebration.
Social Media Tips for Children's Day (Kodomo no Hi)
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