May 5th is celebrated annually in Japan and in Nikkei communities around the world as Kodomo no Hi (Children’s Day). The day is celebrated by displaying koinobori—carp-shaped windsock with the carp arranged from largest to smallest in different colors to denote the father, mother, and children. Other traditional symbols and special foods include samurai dolls, kabuto (helmet), and kashiwa mochi (azuki-filled rice cakes wrapped in oak leaves).

Discover Nikkei compiled photos to share our global Nikkei community’s Kodomo no Hi traditions.

We recommend you use the slideshow view to check out the photos shared by our Nima-kai community.

*Presented in collaboration with the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center and Japanese American National Museum.