Childrens Kites UK

Children's Day (Kodomo no hi) is celebrated on 5th May in Japan. It is a national holiday on which all children are celebrated and their mothers are honoured. Until recently, 5th May was known as Boy's Day (Tango no Sekku, or the Feast of Banners), so many of the traditional celebrations on Children's Day come from Boy'sDay.

Carp Kites (koinobori)
Koinobori, or carp kites, are hung outside houses on Children's Day. Find out what they symbolise and try our printables and crafts.

Samurai
The Samurai were the most noble warriors of Japan, and the Samurai Helmet which they wore also symbolizes strength and courage and is often worn by boys on Children's Day. Visit our Samurai page to find out how to make your own helmet and how to fold an origami one.

Golden Boy Doll (Kintaro)

Families with boys display a model of Kintaro, a Japanese folk hero. Kintaro was a boy of superhuman strength who grew up to be a famous warrior, and again he represents the wish of the family for their boys to be brave and strong.

Two children in traditional Japanese dress feature in this colouring page from our Around the World series.

Japan for Kids
Expand your knowledge of Japan and Japanese culture by visiting our "Japan for Kids" theme, and try your hand at some more Japanese related crafts, play some traditional Japanese games, and enjoy our colouring pages and printables.

Origami for Kids
Visit our origami section for traditional Japanese origami models (and lots of new origami designs, perfect for kids, too).

Traditional Japanese Games
Try some of these traditional Japanese games with your kids for Children's Day, or perhaps when learning a little about Japan.

Sadako Sasashi
Learn about a little girl called Sadako Sasashi, and discover how she inspired this beautiful monument to world peace, the Children's Peace Monument, nearly 50 years ago. The monument was unveiled on Children's Day 1958 and is visited by thousands of children each year.