Tokunaga Koinobori: A reliable and proven carp streamer shop founded 78 years ago

It is the season when everything grows vigorously under the sunlight.

The carp streamers that swim leisurely through the sky are likened to the legend of the Dragon Gate, and represent the flow of life.
"I hope you will overcome difficulties like a carp. I hope you will grow into a strong person who can persevere even in the face of adversity." This is what the family wishes for their child's healthy growth and success in life.

At "Hare to Kurasu" we offer unique ways to enjoy carp streamers and after-sales service.
We hope you enjoy the "Living with Sunshine" carp streamers for many years to come.

  • The whole family was moved by the sight of them swimming in the sky.


    For our first Children's Day, we decided to go for a large carp streamer.
    The sight of them swimming vigorously on the wind was more impressive than I had imagined, and my son was delighted.
    My neighbors have also commented to me, saying things like, "It's beautiful," and "I've never seen it so close," and I feel proud every time I see it.
    Installation was easier than I expected and I think I'll be able to cherish it for a long time.

    Mr. H, Hiroshima Prefecture
    (Purchased product: Kicho 5m set)

  • The perfect balance between tradition and modernity

    My grandparents and I chose this carp streamer to celebrate our first grandchild.
    It was even more beautiful than it looked in the photos, and I was impressed by the texture of the gold leaf and fabric.
    On the day of the installation, the whole family went outside and looked up at the sky, praying for the tree to grow up healthy.
    I look forward to this becoming an annual event.

    Mr. A, Gifu Prefecture
    (Purchased item: Australian 6m set)

  • I understood when I found out that it was run by Tokunaga Koinobori.


    Before purchasing, I was looking at the website and was attracted by the detailed photographs and words of "Living with Sunshine."

    Later, when I found out that it was a Tokunaga Koinobori official website, everything made sense. Not only was the quality excellent, but the support was also reassuring.

    I also purchased some festival accessories, and I am very satisfied with how elegant and coordinated they all are.


    Mr. M, Gunma Prefecture
    (Purchased product: Senju 6m set)

  • Choose a memorable gift together with your grandparents


    My grandparents and I chose this carp streamer to celebrate our first grandchild.
    It was even more beautiful than it looked in the photos, and I was impressed by the texture of the gold leaf and fabric.
    On the day of the installation, the whole family went outside and looked up at the sky, praying for the tree to grow up healthy.
    I look forward to this becoming an annual event.


    Mr. K from Okayama Prefecture
    (Purchased product: Kyo Nishiki 5m set)

  • A presence that brightens up the entire garden


    We discussed and decided on a size that would fit perfectly within the garden space.

    When you actually set it up, it has a presence that is greater than you would imagine, and every time it sways in the breeze it makes your heart feel refreshed.
    I enjoy taking photos on sunny days, and I can now live a life that is sensitive to the seasons. The explanations from Hare to Kurasukasu were easy to understand, so I was able to choose with confidence.

    Mr. S from Aichi Prefecture
    (Purchased item: 5m set of Kazemai)

  • We now have more time as a family to appreciate the changing seasons.

    Looking up at the carp streamers swimming in the sky, the whole family can feel the pleasant breeze and the changing of the seasons. Raising the streamers every weekend while checking the weather has now become a little joy for our family.

    It was heartwarming to see the children shouting "Koinobori-san!" and I felt like it gave me the motivation to cherish this milestone year.
    I had no idea carp streamers were so extravagant, but I feel like I learned about the culture and tradition behind them.
    I would like to continue this tradition for a long time.

    Mr. N, Nagano Prefecture
    (Purchased item: Australian 5m set)

FAQ

Living with Sunshine | Carp Streamers Q&A

Who buys carp streamers?

Traditionally, it was prepared by the mother's family, but recently more and more families are not sticking to this.
Of course, there are many grandparents who wish to give May dolls or carp streamers to celebrate the first annual festival, so it is important to consult with both parents before making preparations.

When do you start and end to display carp streamers?

Generally, they are prepared on a sunny day between the vernal equinox and mid-April, and are often left on display for one to one and a half months until the beginning of summer in May (around mid-May).
(Some regions and households decorate according to the lunar calendar, so please celebrate according to your own family customs.)

Some families also put out carp streamers on the auspicious day of Taian. There are no specific rules for when to put out carp streamers, but it's fine as long as you put them out at a convenient time before Children's Day.

From what age do you decorate?

It should be displayed from the first Doll Festival until the child is seven years old.

There is an old saying that goes, "You are under God's control until you are seven." In the past, it was rare for a child to grow up safely until the age of seven, and it was believed that up until the age of seven, a child belonged to God and their fate was left in his hands.
There is a belief that the carp streamers complete their role as a way of expressing gratitude to the gods for the child's safe growth to the age of seven.

Officially, there is no set age limit for displaying the decorations.
Some people continue to display them until they reach a certain milestone, such as turning 15, the age at which they were given the traditional coming-of-age ceremony, or until they reach a certain time they consider to be a milestone.Some also continue to display them as a seasonal tradition for the children in their neighborhood.

Can I display both the May doll and the carp streamer?

There are "carp streamers and flags" and "May dolls and helmet decorations," and each has a different "meaning for displaying," so many families display both.

Carp streamers are imbued with the wish that children will grow up healthy and strong, just like the carp streamers that swim leisurely through the sky, and that they will succeed in life .
May decorations are displayed as talismans to protect children, with the hope that they will avoid misfortunes such as illness and accidents and grow up strong .

Should I buy one for my third or second son as well?

Basically, it is said that one per person is desirable.
If you have carp streamers at home, some people add more carp streamers, add names, or add more carp streamers.

Similarly, some families display May dolls by adding name tags and other items.

What should I do on rainy days?

Although the color will not fade due to rain, dirt may become stained due to acid rain. Also, avoid frying on rainy days, as this will cause the color to fade and the dough to deteriorate more quickly. If it gets wet in the rain, please dry it immediately.

How should I put away carp streamers and flags?

Dry your carp streamers and flags thoroughly and store them in a dry place.
Remove dirt from poles, wipe them thoroughly with a dry cloth, and lubricate moving parts such as arrow wheels and pulleys before storing them.

What is the lifespan of carp streamers?

The materials for carp streamers can be broadly divided into polyester and nylon, and festival banners are made of cotton. Color fading will vary depending on the material, but polyester fibers are applied special pressure (3 kg, 140°C, 35 minutes) to fix the color, so the color may begin to fade after about 5 to 8 years. ㊟Durability will vary depending on usage conditions and environment.

How should I put away carp streamers and flags?

Dry your carp streamers and flags thoroughly and store them in a dry place.
Remove dirt from poles, wipe them thoroughly with a dry cloth, and lubricate moving parts such as arrow wheels and pulleys before storing them.

When should you not fly carp streamers or flags?

Carp streamers and banners should not be flown on rainy days, at night, or in strong winds of wind force 4 or higher. When they get wet in the rain, they become more susceptible to dirt, mold, and odors. Also, in strong winds, there is a risk that the poles may become deformed or the carp streamers may be blown away and damaged, so refrain from flying them.

If your carp streamer, arrow wheel or pole breaks

If you try to forcefully repair a broken streamer or damaged parts, you may end up damaging it even more.
If you would like to fly your carp streamer again, please feel free to contact us. Please also contact us if your carp streamer is torn.
Also, when disposing of broken parts, do so according to the time itself.
If you would like to hold a memorial service for a carp streamer, please apply through our Gratitude (Memorial) Festival Agency Service .

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