For the past month, brilliant, boldly-colored carp flags have flickered in the fresh, baby-blue skies with every breath of spring. In Japan, carp are famous for fighting their way upstream and leaping over waterfalls to get to their spawning areas, making them a symbol of the famous fighting spirit, valiant efforts, and success.　Like rainbows fluttering over the slowly flooding rice feilds, koinobori are raised in the hope that young boys in Japan will grow up with the same admirable qualities. Samurai helmets and warrior dolls gaurd the windows of traditional shops and entrances of homes blessed with sons, inspiring boys throught the land of the rising sun to be strong and brave.

May is the month of purple flowers, with irises and wisteria crowning the countryside with kingly purples and violets. The iris, or shoubu, is another famous symbol of Kodomo no Hi. In Japanese, shoubu means both iris and military spirit (although the Chinese characters are different), and because the shape of the leaves resemble swords, they are used to decorate the samurai style Go Gatsu Ningyo (5th Month dolls).

Summer is here! Happy Kodomo No Hi (^-^)/

Maori, catching fireflies in a remarkable kimono with a unique design depicting the famous zen rock garden of Ryuanji Temple on ther long, flowing sleeves.

Hiking along the Kiyotaki River in the mountain Atagoyama, located to the northwest of Kyoto city, is popular among Kyoto citizens who seek relief from the heat of summer. The deities of the Atago shrine are believed to prevent fires, and many pilgrims climb up to the mountain on the night of July 31 because a visit in the night is regarded as 1000 visits in value. The fourth scene portrayed some of those pilgrims who enjoy catching fireflies on the way back from the shrine. (Miyako Odori Programme)