In the spirit of spring and new beginnings, UsagiMie is getting a blog! I have been thinking quite awhile about adding one because I thought it might be interesting to talk about some of the things that inspire me and some of my experiences that influence my designs. 

In addition to being a designer, I spent two years in Japan teaching English. From that point, I discovered that I have a bit of a natural teacher in me. In fact, I still tutor English and love it. I also love to show people stuff that I’m interested in and hopefully they might like it too.

So! For my inaugural post and in honor of my allergies, I was thinking about sharing a bit about sakura matsuri (cherry blossom festival) with you all. But, I feel like a lot of people might know about it already. So instead, let’s take a look at the beautiful koi-shaped kites that are also flown this time of year, while the cherry trees are still in bloom.

>>  Check out my cherry blossom notebook and greeting cards

So what are koinobori?

Koinobori are actually not kites but windsocks or streamers and are mainly flown for Children's Day on May 5th. This day was known as Boys' Day and celebrated to hope for their good health, longevity, and prosperity. But in 1948, it was changed to Children's Day in honor of everyone.

What is the meaning behind them?

Koi means carp, not exactly a glorious fish in western culture. In ancient China, carp came to be a prized fish. In the long, narrow river that flows through the valley on Mt. Longmen, only the carp succeeded in navigating the rapids. According to the legend, the carp that made it all the way, became dragons and were able to climb up to heaven. The carp, considered strong and successful, came to be a symbolic wish for one's children as well.

During the Edo period (1603-1867) the shogunate (military leaders) started to raise the koi-shaped flags to celebrate the birth of a boy. Eventually, the practice filtered down to the local merchants and then to everyone.

Any way I can see them?

If you're in Japan, there are a quite a few festivals where you can see them, including right in Tokyo. (Picture: www.tokyotower.co.jp)

These are cute and all, but I'm not getting to Japan any time soon.

Unfortunately me either. If you are in New York City, here are some cherry blossom and other celebrations you can check out. While I can't guarantee you'll see koinobori, it's a great excuse to get out among the flowers. 

Every year the Brooklyn Botanical Garden hosts a wonderful cherry blossom viewing festival. This year, they are staggering it out over three weeks. So get your tickets and enjoy each stage of these wonderful flowers. Here is a link to other great places to see cherry blossoms in NYC as well. (Picture: Brooklyn Botanical Gardens)

Also, we've had a Japan Day since forever, it seems like. At least for over 25 years. I've seen it grow from just a street fair to this year, having our very first Japan Day parade on Saturday, May 14th! There is also a Japan Day Festival that will be on from May 1-9th. You can also find out more info here at SecretNYC.  (Picture: SecretNYC)

I've got a nice space outside my place. What if I wanna fly some myself?

Well, you're in luck! I did some looking around and you can get yourself your own.

•  Sugoii Japan   
(Sugoii also has a lot of good information on koinobori + Japanese culture)

•  Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens

If you don't have a lot of space but would still like to celebrate, I've got you covered. You can download a PDF of these streamers and make some yourself! The video below will show you how.