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Children’s Day (Kodomo no Hi)

Let's honor and cherish the little ones on Children's Day (Kodomo no Hi) - a day to celebrate their happiness, health, and bright futures!

Wednesday

May 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEMay 5

OBSERVED INJapan

CATEGORYRelationships

SUBCATEGORYChildren

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to celebrate Kodomo no Hi, also known as Children's Day, on May 5! This special day is a national holiday in Japan and is dedicated to celebrating the happiness and well-being of children. It has been celebrated for centuries and is deeply rooted in Japanese culture and traditions. Families often hang colorful carp-shaped koinobori flags outside their homes to represent each member of the family, with the largest one representing the oldest son. It's also common to eat traditional sweets called kashiwa mochi and take part in various activities such as parades and games. So let's all join in on this joyous day and appreciate the precious gift of childhood!

TIMELINE

Children’s Day (Kodomo no Hi) Timeline

Origins of Tango no Sekku

The original form of Children's Day, known as Tango no Sekku, was first celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth month in the Japanese lunar calendar in 698.

Warriors' Day Tradition

By 1600s, Tango no Sekku had become known as Boys' Festival or Warriors' Day to celebrate male children and prepare them for adulthood.

Recognition as National Holiday

In 1916, Tango no Sekku was officially recognized as a national holiday in Japan.

Renaming to Kodomo no Hi

The holiday was renamed Kodomo no Hi or "Children's Day" in 1948 to celebrate the health and happiness of all children, not just boys.

First National Children's Day Parade

The inaugural National Children's Day Parade was held in Tokyo, Japan, featuring traditional activities, performances, and cultural exhibitions

Global Recognition and Celebrations

Today, Children's Day is not only celebrated in Japan but also recognized by other nations with activities promoting children's happiness and well-being.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Children’s Day (Kodomo no Hi)

Have a traditional Japanese picnic

On Children’s Day, families in Japan often have a picnic known as Hanami, where they eat traditional foods and admire the beautiful cherry blossom trees. You can recreate this experience by packing a bento box and heading to your local park or garden.

CREATE

Create origami decorations

Origami is a popular art form in Japan and is often associated with Children’s Day. Get creative and make origami decorations such as carp fish or samurai helmets to hang around your home.

ATTEND

Attend a local festival or event

Many cities and towns host Children’s Day festivals or events, featuring activities, games, and performances for kids to enjoy. Check your local community events calendar to see if there are any celebrations happening near you.

WATCH

Watch a Japanese animated film

Anime is a huge part of Japanese culture, and Children’s Day is the perfect time to watch a classic animated film like My Neighbor Totoro or Spirited Away with your family. You can also make it a movie night and have some Japanese snacks while you watch.

MAKE

Make traditional Japanese crafts

Get crafty and make some traditional Japanese crafts with your kids, such as Koinobori (carp streamers) or Kintarō dolls. This is a fun and educational way to learn about Japanese culture while celebrating Children’s Day.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why Children’s Day (Kodomo no Hi) is Important

It brings families together

Children's Day is typically celebrated with family gatherings, where parents can spend quality time with their children. It's a chance to strengthen family bonds and create lasting memories through fun activities like flying kites or making traditional carp-shaped streamers.

It celebrates the happiness and well-being of children

Children's Day is a special holiday dedicated to celebrating the joy and innocence of childhood. It's a reminder for adults to cherish and nurture the youngest members of society, and to promote their emotional, social and physical development.

It teaches traditional values and culture

In Japan, Children's Day is known as Kodomo no Hi, and it has been celebrated for centuries. This holiday is deeply rooted in traditional customs and values, such as respecting your elders, honoring ancestral spirits, and promoting courage and strength in young boys.

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