Kite history: The exact origin of the kite is unknown, however it is believed that they were flown in China more than 1000 years ago. Some suggest that a Chinese farmer tied a string to his hat to prevent it blowing off and through this, the first kite was born. Eventually, kite flying spread from China to Korea and across Asia. Each country developed a distinctive kite style and purpose for having them, unique to their culture. Flying kites became very popular in Japan during the 'Edo' (now known as Tokyo) period. At this time, lower class people were allowed to fly them (Grenfell 2014).

Children's Day: On the 5th of the 5th (5th May) in Japan, they hold a celebration called 'Children's Day.' In the past, this was a festival celebrated for boys, however is now a celebration of the happiness of all children. On Children's Day, fish-shaped kites called 'koi-nobori' fill the sky. 'Koi' meaning 'Carp' - a type of fish. These are usually made of a white cloth, decorated in an array of bright colours. The concept is based on an old legend about a carp fish swimming upstream to turn into a dragon. When the wind blows on the kites it looks as though they are swimming, like in the old legend. People hang the kites outside their homes, with one flag for each son. The biggest fish represents the oldest son. Girls were originally considered 'guests' on these days, as there is also a 'Girls' Day' on the 3rd of March (Sydenham & Thomas 2010).

The fish kite represents 'strength and courage' (Grenfell 2014).