May 4, 2003

• May 5, 2003 Children's Day

  

  The above picture was taken at the beginning of May 2003 in Tama Center.  May 5th is Children's Day, and the string of carp streamers (Koinobori) that you can see in the background is a traditional decoration.  Carp are considered a symbol of strength, as they bravely fight their way upstream for whatever reason.  The crowds are gathered for a "non festival."  There were many food booths, but no special occasion. 

  

  The next day we went to a river where the Koinobori were quite impressive. We went to Takao Station on the Chuo Line, which is built according to a traditional design.  Perhaps this is because the Takao area is the site of the graves of the recent emperors.  There is a small anteroom at the right side of the entrance for the emperor's use, and it was actually used once or twice for Emperor Hirohito, according to the sign.  Emperors do not often travel by train anymore, so who knows when the room will be used again. 

  

  I thought the McDonald's next door was interesting and made to blend in with the architecture.

  

  Now walk with Takao Station at your back and turn right when you get to the river.  We are walking along a river that runs parallel to the Chuo Train Line that goes back into metropolitan Tokyo.  You can see more Koinobori carp streamers decorating a home located on the river.  This home must have a son or two, and the carp streamers are hung out in hopes that the sons will grow up to be as strong and brave as the carp in the rivers.  The next two pictures are taken of another display farther down the river...

  

  

  Now we come to the main display.  It almost seems like a small festival with the refreshment booths on the other side of the river.  I think that families whose children have grown up donate their carp streamers to whatever local organization runs these events, and the organizers string all of the carp up in one place for all to enjoy and admire them as the swim in the breeze.  I really enjoyed the scenery, and had a hard time choosing which pictures to inflict on all and sundry.  Bear with me, there are a few more.

  

  

  

  Below are some pictures to which to "reflect."

  

  

   

  

   

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