Visual Arts
Photo Essay: Japan’s Children’s Day Celebration (2021)
The City of Hobart, in partnership with RTBG, celebrated Children’s Day between 1 and 2 May 2021.
Colourful decorations made by more than 1,000 Tasmanian students were showcased as part of a celebration of Japan’s Children’s Day (5 May).
More than 600 koinobori (carp-shaped wind-socks with streamers) were installed in the Japanese Gardens at the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens.
Also on display were six large traditional koinobori, gifted to Hobart by its Japanese Sister City, Yaizu.
“Children’s Day in Japan is a national holiday and a time to respect children’s personalities and celebrate their resilience, health, and happiness,” Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said.
“On the day, families in Japan fly koinobori for each of their children. The carp was chosen because it symbolises strength and success and, according to Chinese legend, the carp was able to swim upstream and become a dragon.”