In Texas we celebrate May 5th as Cinco De Mayo but here in Japan, you will find these beautiful and colorful fish flying around to celebrate Children’s Day. The celebration is known as Koi Nobori. The Japanese use these colorful fish to represent the virtues they believe children should aspire. The fish symbolizes perseverance, energy, and strength. You will find these fish flying all over the island of Okinawa. These pictures are at Colt’s international preschool.
Each flag has a specific meaning which represents the family that owns them. The largest fish, which is black, is called “magoi” and represents the father. The red fish, which is called “higoi”, represents the mother. The other fish, which are smaller represent the children in the household.
This is a picture from the town next to the base we live on. Its beautiful to see all the colorful fish flying in the sky!