May 5th is a very special day in Japan. Originally
known as Tango no Sekku, the day celebrated
boys’ health and happiness. In 1948, May 5th
became a national public holiday to celebrate
all children and is now called Kodomo No Hi
(Children’s Day). Children dress up in summer
kimonos (yukata) or special outfits, and color-
ful carp-shaped windsocks known as koinobori
adorn Japanese homes.. Households with boys
may also display miniature samurai helmets
(kabuto) and armor (yoroi).