Children’s Day (Kodomo no Hi) for the year 2024 is celebrated/observed on Friday, May 5th. There are until the next observance.

Every year on May 5, Japan celebrates Kodomo no Hi, or Children’s Day. It is intended to honor children’s uniqueness while also celebrating their joy. The Japanese government declared Kodomo no Hi a national holiday in 1948, although it has been observed for much longer. On this day, families raise “koinobori,” or carp-shaped windsocks, with different colored carps representing different family members. Before the Gregorian calendar became the standard, the holiday was celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month in China.

📆 When is Children’s Day (Kodomo no Hi)?

This year, Children’s Day (Kodomo no Hi) is on May 5th. It is the 1st Friday in May; in 2024, it is on Sunday.

Countdown to Children’s Day (Kodomo no Hi)

Did you know: Children often laugh 300 times per day, but adults typically laugh 20 times per day.

You can also view all interesting things you didn’t know about and facts about May 5, 2023.

📜 History of Children’s Day (Kodomo no Hi)

Tango no Sekku is thought to have initially been celebrated during the time of Empress Suiko, Japan’s 33rd ruler. After the Nara era in Japanese history, it was originally designated to be the fifth day of the fifth month. Tango no Sekku was known as “Boys’ Day” until 1948, with a separate “Girls’ Day. On March 3, 1948, the Japanese government changed the name of this day to Kodomo no Hi and made it a national holiday to honor the happiness of all children, no matter their gender, and to thank mothers.

Families build koinobori, or carp-shaped windsocks, on this day, with a black carp representing the father, a red or pink carp representing the mother, and one green, orange, or blue carp representing each kid in the family. This custom is based on a Chinese folklore about a carp swimming upstream and turning into a dragon.

☑️ Children’s Day (Kodomo no Hi) facts

Kids have issues with selective hearing
Children may struggle to distinguish between background noises and speech, making it difficult for them to respond to direct words.

Most children are right-handed
Approximately 90% of all children are born right-handed.

Children begin watching T.V. at five months
Babies start watching and paying attention to television at the age of five months.

Things to do on Children’s Day (Kodomo no Hi)

Read up on Kodomo no Hi traditions and history
Kodomo no Hi is a fantastic festival. Investigate its history and traditions.

Watch children’s media
Put on a children’s movie for a pleasant pastime today. You can never go wrong with a Studio Ghibli film!

Spend time with the children in your life
Spend the day with your children, nieces and nephews, siblings, or relatives if you so choose. They will undoubtedly value your time with them.

📅 Children’s Day (Kodomo no Hi) Observances

YEAR DATE DAY
2023 May 5 Friday
2024 May 5 Sunday
2025 May 5 Monday
2026 May 5 Tuesday
2027 May 5 Wednesday

Discover all May holidays, including Appreciation and other Children holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and fun facts about Children’s Day (Kodomo no Hi). So be sure to check back soon.