Children's Day

We celebrated another Tango no Sekku, or Children's Day, here this May. The Japanese holiday is celebrated for a few weeks by hanging koinobari fish banners around town. We found this large one flying at one of our favorite parks in town. Some banners get even larger than that! The carp fish is celebrated at children's day because it is thought of as a very strong fish that swims upstream. Japanese parents hope their sons also are strong and healthy like the carp. We hung some koinobari at our house, too. You're supposed to have a fish for each child in the home and the color and size signify their birth order. I dropped the ball and only had two fish, but will hunt down another for next year. Luckily, Archie wasn't too offended!

The base held a children's day event again this year. The samurai statue behind the boys is supposed to symbolize strength and bravery that the boys should strive for. Last year, only Wilson got to dress up at the event so this year we were excited to get all three boys in on the fun. Leo loved getting in the samurai outfit and was highly covetous of the sword they gave Wilson to pose with.

When it was his turn, Leo was ready and struck a very fierce pose.

Archie opted for a little friendlier warrior look.

The boys had a few vacation days from school and came home with koi bags that they decorated. Their sensei filled the bags with toys and treats for the boys to celebrate with during Golden Week.

 For Golden Week, a celebration that goes along with Children's Day, most of the country has more than a week off of work. It is great time of year for weather in Japan and many people travel during the week. Around us, pottery making is very famous so there are a few towns that shut down and have street fairs with their pottery. There are usually some really good deals. A friend and I went to Arita for an afternoon. This was my first year going and I thought I would spend a few hours there. After six hours, I was overwhelmed and exhausted and had only bought a few small things. Next year, I will for sure be coming home with some nice pottery!

Happy Children's Day and Golden Week!