All images by JASH GEN-J Facilitator Keiko Tsubokura
With this fifth installment of Kayo美 Kai, JASH is looking to bring a little joy to our youngest community members with koinobori lunch bags.
What is a koinobori?
The Japanese word koinobori (鯉のぼり) is a combination of the words koi (鯉), meaning carp, and nobori (のぼり), meaning flag or banner.
Koinobori are a type of windsock that was originally flown on battlefields by samurai to instill the carp’s strength and courage into the warriors.
Why do people fly koinobori?
Koinobori during the Edo period (1603 – 1868) were all painted with black ink to look like wild carp. However, with the rapid Westernization of Japan in the Meiji period (1868 – 1912), koinobori painted in other colors became available. This trend continued through the Taisho (1912–1926) and Showa (1926-1989) periods until the colorful koinobori of today appeared.
The koinobori are flown during the last celebration of Golden Week, Children’s Day (こどもの日; pronounced kodomo no hi). Originally known as Boy’s Day, which is held every year on May 5, families with sons will fly these colorful banners or set up ornate samurai helmet displays. The carp is considered to be a spirited fish and due to its strength and determination to overcome all obstacles, it stands for courage and the ability to attain high goals.
How to make a koinobori bag:
Print off the JASH koinobori design.
Color your koi if using the blank template. (NO GLITTER PLEASE!)
Cut out the colored pieces.
Glue the pieces to the long side of the brown paper bag (base of the bag should be facing down).
Let dry.
Write an encouraging message.
Download a koinobori template:
Send us your koinobori:
JASH is working with Kids’ Meals Inc. to provide fun and engaging lunch bags and lunches to children in need, and we would like your help. We encourage you to send your decorated koinobori bags to the JASH office, listed below.
All bags should be sent to:
Japan-America Society of Houston
4543 Post Oak Place Dr., Ste 220
Houston, TX 77027
Share your koinobori by emailing lhurley@jas-hou.org or tag us on social media with #Kayo美Kai.