(こどもの日; meaning "Children's Day") is a Japanese national holiday which takes place annually on May 5, the fifth day of the fifth month, and is part of the Golden Week. It is a day set aside to respect children's personalities and to celebrate their happiness.

carp kites which are flown for this festival are called 'koinobori'

They symbolise success due to the carp's long life and golden colour and are also supposed to drive away evil spirits. They are believed to represent strength and determination of spirit in the same way the carp travels against the current. In some houses, a carp is flown for each family member with the father's being the largest at the top down to the youngest child's at the bottom.

warrior dolls are also displayed inside the house and special food is eaten: 'kashiwamochi'

originally imported from China, the Boy's Festival has changed dramatically over the years.

gradually, the day became a joint day for all children