Carp Kite Drawing Song for Boy's Day

Learn how to draw a carp kite with this cute Ekaki Uta (Drawing Song).  It's another easy but fun way to celebrate the Japanese holiday Boy's Day (May 5th).  Don't worry that it's not in English, you or your children will still be able to follow the directions.  My children really like these videos.  In fact, when I was composing this post, I found my son behind me hoping I was going to play the video.  Along with the carp kite, there are lots of other drawing song videos to choose from.  The ninja is our personal favorite.  What's yours?

Japanese Holiday: Boy's Day

This Tuesday, May 5th will be Boy's Day (Tango no Sekku). I got all the decorations out for this special day to display in our house. We will be hanging the koi fish (pictured above) outside our house. The carp is a popular symbol of the celebration which represents courage, strength, and perseverance. I will also have on display a small Japanese sword, bow and arrows. They were my husband's as a child and have been passed down to my son. We also celebrate the day by getting my son small gifts.

We purchased this koi fish in Japan town. It's a little unusual in that it's handmade. I think that's why I liked it so much. Most of the koi fishes I see here in the states are commercially made. Often they are made out of nylon and the image is printed on the fish.

Japanese sword, bow & arrows

Close up of ornamentation on the bow & arrows

Fun things to make for Boy's Day

Canon - Paper Samurai Helmet

Canon - Paper Carp Streamer

Activity Village - Color and assemble Carp Kite

Yamaha Motor - Kabuto-Kazari