What is the history and significance of the koinobori?
The intriguing history of the koi nobori begins centuries ago during the artistic Edo Period in Japan. Originally, samurai warriors would fly these colorful banners on the battlefield, some in the shape of a carp or decorated with pictures of carp. At the beginning of the modern age, the banners became carp streamers and since then, koinobori has become a significant symbol used in many Japanese festivals and on a national holiday called Children's Day. Nearly all households in Japan have koi nobori and it is now gaining popularity in numerous other countries.

What is the koinobori made of?
Koinobori can be made by stencilling or painting colorful fish scales and carp patterns on any type of cloth, fabric or paper. Lightweight and weather resistant materials work the best so that the koi nobori appear to be swimming gracefully in the air. The brightly colored Luffy Koi Nobori Windsock is made created by stenciling fish scales onto durable nylon material.

When can I fly my koi nobori?
Although traditionally koinobori are flown in Japan throughout April and into May, it is completely acceptable to let them flutter in the wind all year long. The beauty and the symbolism of the koi nobori isn't stifled by tradition; the message of strength and courage is pertinent on any day of the year.

What can I teach my students about koinobori?
Along with the fascinating history and symbolism of the koi nobori, you can also teach students about the many festivals featuring the koi nobori, the importance of the carp and all about Japan's national holiday Children's Day, which was previously known as Boys' Festival. There is even a fun children's song called the Koinobori Song for them to learn.

• FUN AND EDUCATIONAL FOR HISTORY & SYMBOLISM CLASS --- Koinobori, which loosely translates to carp streamer in Japanese, are colorful, decorative windsocks traditionally flown in Japan on the national holiday called Children's Day (May 5th) and also during many Japanese festivals throughout the year. Children's Day (previously called Boys' Day) celebrates the health and happiness of children. Children also take this opportunity to thank and show respect to their parents and teachers.
• HIGH QUALITY, DURABLE MATERIAL --- Created by stenciling colorful, detailed carp scale patterns onto durable nylon material, the distinctive 24" x 6" (61cm x 15cm) Luffy Koi Nobori Windsock Fish Kite is designed for years and years of use. The materials used are lightweight and UV, stain and weather resistant making this vibrant fluttering flag decoration perfect for outdoor areas like hanging from your roof or in a garden or patio.
• BOLDLY AND VIVIDLY FEATURES JAPAN'S MOST SPIRITED FISH --- Symbolic of courage and strength, the carp is chosen as the featured creature because it is a strong fish known to battle against incredible odds in order to swim upstream (even up waterfalls) to reach its spawning grounds. Koinobori honor the incredible carp for its determination and strong will and the Japanese hope to pass on those positive traits to their own children.
• USED IN NUMEROUS JAPANESE FESTIVALS YEAR ROUND --- Along with being flown on Children's Day, koinobori are flying gracefully in the wind all year round during various festivals throughout Japan. One festival in Tsuetate Onsen (considered the birthplace of the koinobori) has been going on for 40 years and has vivid koi nobori swimming in the air all day and all night. Another festival called Koinobori Village Festival has over 5,000 koinobori flying all at once, which is a Guinness World Record.
• BEAUTIFUL HANGING ART FOR MANY DIFFERENT LOCATIONS --- More than just a great outdoor decoration for verandas and gardens, the versatile Luffy Koinobori Carp Flag is a gorgeous piece of hanging art for many indoor locations such as a fancy Japanese sushi restaurant or in a child's bedroom or playroom. It is also a wonderful addition to the classroom where teachers can tell the unique story about the koi nobori and its fascinating history.