"Koinobori" carp streamers are a traditional feature of Children's Day on May 5. The beautiful sight of a row of carp, colorfully dyed in red, blue, black and yellow, all swimming against a deep blue sky makes you feel nostalgic for some reason.

Koinobori-flying events, with vivid arrays of carp streamers fluttering in the sky, have become a common sight in many parts of Japan and the "Koinobori River-crossing" event in Shimanto, Kochi is said to have been the first of its kind. It all started in the 48th year of Showa, over 36 years ago, when a young man in Shimanto village heard little boys discussing the fact that when they got older, their streamers wouldn't be used anymore. The man proceeded to collect all the streamers from the boys and set them up together. Although there were only around 50 streamers at the outset, many more were sent to the town from all over Japan every year and now about 500 carp streamers fly over the river. The streamers float in perfect harmony with the tranquil landscape of the upstream region of the Shimanto River, renowned as being Japan's last remaining clear stream. Each spring, the event attracts many visitors, from both near and far.

This year's Shimanto "Koinobori River-crossing" will be held between April 12 and May 16. Against a backdrop of gently-hued spring mountains, the magnificent sight of radiant carp streamers swimming in the wind over the river is truly one of Japan's precious landscapes to be preserved for future generations of children.

Town Office of Shimanto, Takaoka-gun, Kochi Prefecture:
http://www.town.shimanto.lg.jp/

Photos provided by 
Town Office of Shimanto