A glimpse at how Children's Day is celebrated in Japan

Children’s Day on May 5th is one of those uniquely Japanese holidays that blends seasonal traditions with a focus on family, and I always find it fun to know how people celebrate the day. A recent survey of 100 Japanese parents conducted via the Happy Mail app examined just that, and it revealed a surprising amount of confusion and variety in how the holiday is observed.

Image designed via Canva

Despite Children’s Day being legally designated as a celebration for all children, only about half of respondents correctly identified its purpose. Many still think of it as Boys’ Day, which reflects its historical roots in Tango no Sekku, a festival dating back to the Nara period originally focused on boys’ health and growth. 

The survey also asked how families spend the day. Traditional customs are still popular: flying koinobori (carp streamers), displaying warrior-themed May dolls, and taking commemorative photos all ranked highly. However, a notable number of people said they do nothing special, suggesting that, much like holidays back home, some families see it as just another day off.

Are you doing anything special for Children's Day?