Eat carp and protect your health on Carp Day

I was quite surprised to learn that today, May 1st, is Carp Day in Japan. I would have thought if anything carp would be most associated with children's day, because of the giant carp streamers - known as koinobori in Japanese - that are a symbol of the day.

However, it makes more sense when you realize that May 1st can be read as "ko (5) i (1)", the Japanese for carp. The purpose of the anniversary is to promote greater awareness and consumption of carp, a fish long valued in Japan for both its cultural symbolism and nutritional benefits. The National Carp Association uses the day to encourage people to “eat carp and protect their health,” highlighting that carp is rich in protein, vitamins, and other nutrients.

I have thousands of photos of carp from over the years. Particularly when I first came to Japan, I was so captivated by them and loved seeing them in the ponds in parks and temples. Even now, whenever I see carp, I can't help but take a photo! Are you the same?