San Francisco Japantown Task Force

DATA SHEET

 

Place:  Japanese Cultural & Community Center of Northern California – Kodomo no Hi (Children’s Day)

Address:  Peace Plaza – SF Japantown

    

Description: 
One of the most popular holidays in Japan is Kodomo no Hi, Children’s Day celebrated annually on the 5th of May. The festival includes children’s entertainment with hands-on activities, games, food, and an art contest. Kodomo no hi gives children the opportunity to learn about Children’s Day and the Japanese culture through the artwork that they are able to bring home. It is believed that koinobori, colorful carp streamers, will bring good fortune to the children’s home. Koinobori are strong, spirited fish who show determination in fighting upstream through the most powerful waterfalls. Families also display kabuto (samurai helmets) and samurai dolls such as Kintaro and Momotaro; which symbolize courage. Another tradition is the offering of kashiwa-mochi, which is a rice cake filled with bean paste wrapped in an oak leaf. Iris flowers are in full bloom and are placed around the home to ward off evil. New to the celebration is the Children’s Day School Visit Program. In 2004 this program has introduced over 400 students to the kodomo no hi customs and practices. These youth are given a chance to see and understand the meanings and symbolism of the traditional Japanese Boys and Girls Day doll displays.

 

History:

In recognition of the Japanese national holiday that celebrates children, the Japanese Culture and Community Center of Northern California (JCCCNC) hosts a festival that is a combination of Hinamatsuri (dolls festival to celebrate girls day) on March 3rd and Tango no Sekku (boys day) on May 5th. Originally Kodomo no Hi began as Tango no Sekku, a holiday to celebrate male children, but has since changed to celebrate the growth of all children after World War II in hopes of uplifting the spirits of Japan.

 

Significance: 

Cultural, Social

 

Recognition of Significance: 

Asian Week – April 20, 2000, Mercury News

 

Sources: 

Lori Matoba, Director of Programs, Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California

 

Other Comments: 

Prepared By:  Darryl Abantao              Date Prepared:  10//29/04