Hina Matsuri and Koinobori display at the Asian Centre foyer

The Asian Library is currently hosting a display featuring hina ningyō and koinobori in celebration of Girl’s Day and Children’s Day.  

Origami doll set at the AS Language Learning section

Hina ningyō are a set of dolls that represent the emperor, empress, attendants, and musicians in ancient court dress. They are set up on a tiered platform in celebration of hina matsuri (doll festival), a festival for girls held on March 3. The hina ningyō featured in the display, on loan from Gage Dierkes, were purchased from a Japanese gift store in Honolulu, Hawaii and given to her family in 1974 by her grandmother. Hina matsuri is celebrated by the family by eating hishimochi (diamond-shaped rice cakes) and drinking shirozake (made with rice malt and sake).  

Koinobori (carp streamers) are carp-shaped banners, flown in celebration of Children’s Day on May 5. In Japan, carps are a symbol of success, due to the ancient Chinese legend of a carp swimming upstream and becoming a dragon. The black carp represents the father, the red one the mother and the blue one the son. Traditionally, koinobori, were flown to celebrate the health and prosperity of male children, but the practice has come to include children of all genders.

The Japanese lanterns in the background are on loan from the Westside Japanese Language Society and the frame was constructed by Akira Furuzawa. These Japanese lanterns, called chōchin are commonly displayed during matsuri (festivals).  

The exhibit will be on from now until May 3, 2024.

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“Doll Festival 【雛祭】”, Encyclopedia of Japan, JapanKnowledge, https://japanknowledge-com.eu1.proxy.openathens.net, (accessed Feb.20,2024) 

“koinobori 【鯉幟】”, Encyclopedia of Japan, JapanKnowledge, https://japanknowledge-com.eu1.proxy.openathens.net, (accessed Feb.20,2024)