Culture

Hundreds of Carp Streamers and Community Spirit Soar in Kumano

To celebrate Golden Week and Children's Day, the local community of Kumano City in Mie Prefecture installed around 250 carp streamers along the coast.

Published

2 weeks ago

May 2, 2024

The Sankei Shimbun

Koinobori carp streamers along Shichiri-Mihama Beach in Kumano City, Mie Prefecture on April 28. (©Kyodo)

Along the picturesque Shichiri-Mihama Beach in Kumano City, Mie Prefecture, the skyline is adorned with a vibrant display of approximately 250 koinobori carp streamers.

Since 1984, this tradition has marked Japan's annual holiday period from April 29 to May 5, known as "Golden Week." Each year, the streamers dance energetically in the winds blowing from the Kumano Nada sea.

Keeping the Tradition Alive

In 2023, the civic group organizing this event announced its discontinuation. However, the city's young adults in their 20s and 30s took up the mantle to ensure the tradition continued, establishing the "Minna no Koinobori no Kai" ("Carp Streamer Association for Everyone").

*Carp streamers of various colors along Shichiri-Mihama Beach (©Kyodo)*

April 28 was the first day of the festivities. Around 150 local high school students and residents joined forces to put up the carp streamers under the guidance of seasoned members from the previous organizing committee.

Nishigaito (28), the newly appointed representative of the association, shared his connection to the event: "I grew up admiring this scenery since childhood, so I want to work hard to preserve it for future generations."

(Read the article in Japanese.)

Author: The Sankei Shimbun