May 05, 2004

Carpe Deum - Children's Day, or Boy's Day in Japan

Today is Children's Day (Kodomi no Hi) in Japan. Originally, it was "Boy's Day" but the name was changed to "Children's Day" in 1948. Note the significance of the date. I imagine it was changed because there was no "Girl's Day," and it was an effort in the "democratic spirit" of those times to expand the celebration. All over Japan the day is celebrated by flying the Carp kites shown above. It's also traditional to eat certain kinds of mochi (rice dumplings) and rice cakes.

So in the spirit of the day, and for the sake of a bad pun, I want to wish all children everywhere: "Carpe Deum!" Sieze the Day!

I took the picture of the boy at the Houjiou Dai Matsuri this past weekend. I have about 100 pictures from the weekend, and many of them came out very well. It's going to take some time to run the best one's through Photoshop, but you'll see more and more (and then lots) turning up soon.

See my other website to save on international long distance calls

Posted by jw at May 5, 2004 05:56 PM
Comments

Hina Matsuri (the Doll Festival, March 3) is sometimes translated as "Girl's Day". It isn't a national (bank) holiday, the way May 5th is though.

Posted by: M Sinclair Stevens at May 8, 2004 08:19 AM

I have been reading your blog for some time now and am wondering how do you remain so positive about living here in Japan? I find that many aspects of Japanese society make me feel like an unwanted outsider. It is the same for my other friends as well. The more I study about Japanese society and politics, the further I move away from considering a long term commitment to this country. Please tell me your secret?

BTW, this has nothing to do with any particular post but is in response the consistently, positive nature of your site.

Posted by: keisha at May 9, 2004 05:21 PM

That's a great comment. I will write an entire post about this soon. I'd say more now, but I want to think more about this first. For now, just please understand that I've also had lots of hard days here and my share of dark thoughts about Japan.

Posted by: AG at May 9, 2004 05:41 PM

Hi,I stumbled upon your blog while searching for Japan's images.Looking and reading it has given me more insight of Japan.All along,I have only seen the cool and trendy side of Japan,with its pop idols and hip teenagers.Didn't know that there's so much more.Thanks for all the information!Oh yes,I'm really interested in the darker side of Japan.Could you blog more about it?Thank you so much.

ps.saw your gallery on singapore.did you visit Bugis,Esplanade and East Coast Park?

Posted by: rini at May 10, 2004 02:18 AM

We spent some time in Bugis (in Singapore) but didn't get to the other places. Traveling with young kids does slow you down a bit.

Posted by: AG at May 11, 2004 10:18 AM