Children's Day

Children's Day (Kodomo no Hi) in Japan is celebrated annually on May 5 as part of the Golden Week holiday period. Originally known as Tango no Sekku (Festival of the First Day of the Horse) and historically a day for boys, the holiday was officially renamed to Kodomo no Hi after World War II to honor all children's happiness and well-being. The date was chosen from the traditional Chinese lunar calendar, where it was associated with the start of summer and the belief that the iris (shobu) could ward off evil. During the Edo period (1603–1868), the day became strongly linked to samurai culture, with families displaying warrior dolls and armor to pray for boys' strength and success. In 1948, the Japanese government formalized it as a national holiday to celebrate children's personalities and to express gratitude toward mothers, making it a dual-gender observance while retaining many of its masculine historical elements. In 2026, May 5 falls on a Tuesday, continuing a tradition that blends ancient Shinto and Confucian influences with modern family-focused celebrations.

Typical Children's Day customs include flying colorful koinobori (carp-shaped windsocks) outside homes, with the largest black carp representing the father, red for the mother, and smaller blue, green, and orange carps for each child. Inside, families display samurai dolls and kabuto (warrior helmets) on tiered platforms, symbolizing courage and protection. Special foods are central to the celebration: kashiwa mochi (rice cakes filled with red bean paste and wrapped in oak leaves) and chimaki (sweet rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves) are traditionally eaten. Many families also take shobu-yu (irises) baths, as the plant's strong aroma is believed to repel evil spirits and promote health. Greetings on this day often include 'Kodomo no Hi omedetou gozaimasu' (Happy Children's Day) and heartfelt wishes for children's growth. Public events, such as parades and children's festivals, are held, and around the country, many museums and cultural sites offer free admission to kids on this day. In 2026, with May 5 falling on a Tuesday and Golden Week extending from April 29 to May 5, many families will engage in extended outings, picnics, and visits to shrines to pray for their children's future success.