Colourful crafts celebrate Japan Children’s Day
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Published on 30 April 2021
Colourful decorations handmade by more than 1000 Tasmanian students are beimg showcased as part of a celebration of Japan Children’s Day.
More than 600 decorations have been installed in the picturesque Japanese Gardens within the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens in the lead up to Japan Children’s Day on 5 May.
Fourteen schools from across Southern Tasmania have contributed to the project through the creation of handcrafted decorations known as koinobori, comprising carp-shaped wind-socks and streamers, with written works to be displayed in the Japanese Gardens.
“Children’s Day in Japan is a national holiday and a time to respect children’s personalities and celebrate their resilience, health and happiness,” Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said.
“On the day, families in Japan fly koinobori for each of their children. The carp was chosen because it symbolises strength and success and, according to Chinese legend, the carp was able to swim upstream and become a dragon.
“Children and students aged 4 to 18 have been making their own koinobori by using recycled or compostable materials for this Children’s Day display.”
Also displayed will be six large traditional koinobori – each measuring between 5 and 7 metres in length – gifted to Hobart by its Japanese Sister City, Yaizu.
“Hobart’s Sister City relationship with Yaizu has existed for 44 years and is one of our city’s most active relationships,” Cr Reynolds said. “The Japanese Garden itself was established in 1987 as part of this Sister City relationship.”
In 2017, three gardeners from Yaizu visited and undertook specialised pruning work to ensure the collection maintains its authentic Japanese style. This was followed by a visit by the Mayor of Yaizu to commemorate 40 years of the sister city partnership.
The colourful Children’s Day decorations will remain on display at the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens until Sunday 9 May. All members of the public are invited to visit the display. Admission is free.