Japanese fish kites

The Japanese fish kite (koinobori) symbolises strength and courage, and is flown on Children’s Day (May 5 th ) in Japan. Kites were brought to Japan from China around 1300 years ago, by Buddhist missionaries. Traditionally, fish kites were flown by proud parents, showing how many sons they had, but today the kites are flown for all children, and hang from poles and houses, and sometimes also from cars The fish kite design uses the concept similar to that of a windsock. That catches the air, and designed around the colourful and energetic carp fish. There are many styles, however most are decorated with colour and intricacy.

From "Morning of the New Year in Color", Torii Kiyonaga, 1787 Children celebrate the New year by flying kites in front of Edo book and print publisher, Nishimuraya.

Historically, Kites were brought to Japan about the 7th century by Buddhist monks. They were used to avert evil spirits and to insure rich harvests. Kite flying became very popular in Japan during the Edo period. For the first time Japanese people below the samurai class were allowed to fly kites. The Edo (nowTokyo) government tried unsuccessfully to discourage this pastime as "too many people became unmindful of their work."

The Black Carp represents the father, and the brighter colours, the mother

Making a fish kite Step 1: Draw the shape of your fish on one piece of A4 paper. Make sure you leave a large opening for the mouth. Step 2: Grab another piece of paper and hold it together with the page with the fish shape. Step 3: Cut out the two pieces of paper with the fish shape. Staple or glue the two pieces together around the edges, leaving the mouth free. Step 4: Draw on the fish eyes and mouth Step 5: Add lots of colour and patterns to the body until the fish is covered.

 Question 1: What does the fish kite symbolise?  Question 2: Who brought the fish kites to Japan?  Question 3: In the past why was the kite flown by proud parents?  Question 4: Which type of fish is the kite designed from?  Question 5: What is the special date that children fly this kite is Japan?  What colours represent the mother fish and which represent the father fish? Fish Kite Quiz