Wakayama is full of fresh green leaves now and ready to have many tourists from abroad. Shakunage (Rhododendron) in Koyasan has begun to bloom. Today we are telling you about so-called Golden Week in Japan. Golden Week is consecutive national holidays including Showa Day, Constitution Day, Green Day, and Children’s Day on April 29, May 3,4, and 5, respectively. Because this period is very pleasant time of the year in Japan, millions of people travel extensively at home and abroad. During this season you may see Koinobori, cloth streamers in the shapes of a carp which are flown on a tall pole. Flying koinobori symbolizes the wish that the boy in the family will grow to be as strong and courageous as the carp. Children’s Day was traditionally cellebrated as the Boy’s Festival (tango-no sekku) until immediately after World War Ⅱ. Although the tradition of celebrating tango-no sekku still remains, Children’s Day is now regarded as a holiday for wishing all children, boys and girls alike, happiness and prosperity. Pleasee enjoy this festive Golden Week season in Japan.
