There is a feeling of innocence and freedom to kite flying and in Japan, there’s even a song for it: The Koinobori Song.
Higher than the roof-tops are the koinobori
The large carp is the father
The smaller carp are the children
They seem to be having fun swimming
Each kite ranges from a few centimetres to a few metres long. The longest ever flown was in Saitama Prefecture weighing in at 350kg and stretching 100 metres long.
This is a perfect time to make your own Koinobori! These “wind socks” are easily crafted by drawing a carp pattern on paper or cloth.
Step One:
Fold construction paper in half lengthwise. Draw an outline of a carp with a long curve for the body. If it doesn’t look like a carp, that’s ok, it can be your own creation!
Step Two:
Cut along the outline. Pierce a hole through the mouth.
Step Three:
Unfold the kite and begin decorating it. Draw Eyes and “U” shaped scales along the body of the fish. Make it as colourful as you wish.
Step Four:
Roll the carp lengthwise into a tubular shape. Staple, glue, or tape the edges together.
Step Five:
Attach party streamers or ribbons to the bottom of the fish with a stapler, glue or tape. Tie a colourful string or yarn to the top of the fish through the hole in the mouth.
Step Six:
Hang it outside, and watch it flutter in the wind.
