Artistic Nishikigoi created by Nihonga artist Shunho Tokunaga.

The "Kenjo Tezome Yuzen Koi no Minage Kyonishiki" realistically depicts the elegant form of Nishikigoi carp, painted by Nihonga artist Shunho Tokunaga. The unique colors of the Nishikigoi are dyed using a seven-color gradation technique, and fan-shaped gold accents are applied to all the scales. To closely resemble the actual Nishikigoi, each black, red, and blue carp is dyed with a different pattern. The windsock, themed with water and sky, features traditional Japanese indigo gradation with auspicious thousand cranes scattered throughout. The material is a special three-dimensional woven fabric. This new material shines in silvery white when exposed to sunlight.

A set including poles sized for the Koinobori.

This garden set, with its lightweight and easy-to-assemble aluminum light metal pole, is perfect for small spaces. Of course, it's a full-fledged set with all the components of a large set, including the arrow wheel, rope, pole, and stakes. You can assemble it with just a hammer to drive in the stakes.

 

◆Each size set contents and size impression◆

Shunho Tokunaga, the founder of Tokunaga Koinobori, is a leading Nihonga artist from Okayama.

 

He studied under Shinsui Itō, known for his美人画 (bijin-ga, paintings of beautiful women), and learned the delicate brushwork unique to Nihonga. Leveraging this skill, Shunho created unprecedentedly elegant and graceful Koinobori, making a significant impact on the industry.

His representative works include "Kishu no Koi Kiccho" and "Kenjo Tezome Yuzen no Koi Kyonishiki," both of which have become long-selling products loved across generations.

　

Kyonishiki swimming around the world

1992 / Antarctica

The Kyotsuru fuki-nagashi (streamer) and Kyonishiki koinobori (carp streamers) were entrusted with the dreams of the people of "Kohitsujien" in Maizuru City, bearing their collective messages. With the cooperation of the 32nd Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition, the children's dreams came true and carp streamers fluttered in Antarctica. Upon hearing that "carp were swimming in the sky," Belgian expedition members also came to witness, and for the first time, koinobori swam in Antarctica.

　

　

1996 / France

"Tokunaga Koi swimming in Paris" was exhibited at the '96 Paris Collection by Shinichiro Arakawa, a Japanese designer residing in Paris. The koinobori, a traditional Japanese culture, was vividly showcased through a global fashion show, with Tokunaga Koi draped on models dancing elegantly on stage, captivating the audience.

　

　

2003 / France

In May 2003, the "Koinobori 2003" event was held by the "Japan Cultural Centre" in Paris, France, to introduce Japanese culture and to express wishes for peace. For approximately one month, 1,000 koinobori were flown in various locations across Paris, conveying Japanese traditional culture and the wish for peace to the people of France.

　

　　

　　

 

 　

Traditional hand-dyeing technique

Skills of master craftsmen
　

　　

　　

　

Fabric that swims lightly and beautifully

　

Using a three-dimensional interwoven polyester fabric, special processing has been applied to make it shimmer in silver when exposed to sunlight. On this beautiful fabric, fan-shaped gold is arranged, and the unique colors of Nishikigoi are dyed with a seven-color gradation.　　

　

　

Soyokaza Line

Light and refreshing, the Soyokaze Line


We wish for the beautifully dyed koinobori to swim gracefully on the refreshing breeze.
With this wish, skilled artisans carefully cut the fabric.

 　

Reliable sewing techniques

The final stage of Koinobori production, "sewing," involves using three different types of sewing machines to create a single Koinobori, meticulously stitching beautiful lines with fine craftsmanship.
The careful finish is highly regarded, truly a testament to artisan skill.

 

From hand to hand,
the artisans' passion connects to create
the highest quality koinobori.

 

 

For Koinobori 3m and longer

Let's enjoy Koinobori even more ♪
Comes with "Koinobori BOOK"

For families who purchased large Koinobori, this original photo book offers hints for enjoying Children's Day
and capturing memories of your child's growth.

　

　　

May 5th: Celebrating Growth

May, when the pleasant early summer light and refreshing breeze are enjoyed.

This koinobori is a timeless, high-quality masterpiece chosen with an adult's eye, allowing you to enjoy your child's healthy growth even more.

May you and your family have a wonderful May 5th, filled with smiles, as you wish for healthy growth.