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[Craft] Make and Display! A Special Feature on Ideas for Making Koinobori (Carp Streamers)
When it comes to Children’s Day, many people think of koinobori (carp streamers).
Koinobori are displayed at schools and at home to wish for children’s healthy growth.
This time, we’re sharing ideas for making koinobori.
There are plenty of fun ideas: perfect for wall displays, ones that use handprints and footprints, and even wearable versions! If children arrange them freely with their own ideas, they can create wonderfully unique koinobori full of personality.
Through making activities, let’s also teach the origins and customs of Children’s Day to deepen their interest in the event.
We use the term “seisaku” in the text because the items children create are treated as works or projects.
[Crafting] Make and Display! A Special Feature on Ideas for Making Koinobori (Carp Streamers) (1–10)
Colorful Unit Koinobori
Let’s connect triangular pieces and make one! Here’s an idea for a colorful unit-style koinobori (carp streamer).
When you think of Children’s Day, many of you probably picture koinobori, right? This time, let’s make one using colorful origami! What you’ll need: eight sheets of origami cut to 7.5 cm squares, and a strip of white origami cut to 15 cm × 3 cm.
The finished piece may look difficult, but the charm of this idea is that it can be made with simple steps!
Koinobori made with paper chains
A vibrant interior accent! Here are ideas for making carp streamers using paper chains.
Displaying ready-made carp streamers is nice, but how about turning the making process itself into a memory? Creating them together—from children to adults—can deepen bonds as you communicate through conversation.
Try making colorful and dynamic carp streamers with origami paper, construction paper, and paper tape.
Once you finish, you’re sure to feel a sense of accomplishment.
Make a carp streamer with dyed paper
An event recommended for older kindergarteners! Here’s an idea for making carp streamers (koinobori) using dyed paper.
Older kindergarteners are at a stage where they can do things on their own and develop a sense of responsibility.
It’s also their final year spent with teachers and friends at daycare or kindergarten, so let’s hold events on these important days to create memories and feel their growth! You’ll need dyed paper or washi (rice paper), paints, crayons, scissors, glue, and rubber bands.
Both the process of making them and the time spent admiring the finished creations become precious memories.
koinobori rocket
Carp streamers burst out with energy and excitement! Here’s an idea for a Koinobori Rocket.
When you think of Children’s Day, many people picture koinobori, right? This time, let’s make a toy with a carp streamer motif that you can build and play with! You will need two paper cups, two rubber bands, decorative materials like stickers and colored paper, scissors, a craft knife, and clear tape.
The decoration is very flexible, so it’s sure to spark kids’ creativity!
sensory koinobori
Fun for kids and adults alike! Here’s a recommended carp streamer (koinobori) craft.
First, put clear origami or any parts you like into a transparent plastic bag.
Next, add liquid laundry starch (or school glue gel) and seal the opening with clear tape.
Roll it into a cylinder, tape both ends, and then tape a koinobori frame—one with the center cut out—onto the plastic.
Apply double-sided tape around the edge and attach another sheet on top.
Finally, add the eyes and you’re done! It’s also cute to put stickers or illustrations of your favorite characters inside.
Carp streamer decoration made with Japanese-style origami!
Carp streamers swimming through your room! This is a garland you can make just by cutting and pasting origami.
Overlap and glue a 2 cm × 7.5 cm piece of origami (for the face) onto the left side of a 7.5 cm × 8 cm piece (for the body).
Fold it in half, then cut the right side to create the tail fin.
After that, attach the parts for the eye, pectoral fin, and dorsal fin to finish.
The inside of the carp streamer is hollow, so thread twine or similar through to connect them and complete the garland.
It looks cuter if you pinch the top and bottom slightly to give it a bit of a three-dimensional shape rather than leaving it flat!
Hanging carp streamers
Be soothed by gently swaying decorations! Here are some ideas for hanging carp streamers.
How about making cute carp streamers using everyday materials? Cut construction paper into the shape of a carp streamer, apply glue, roll up torn pieces of tissue paper, and stick them on.
Finish by coloring it with paint diluted in water, and your carp streamer is complete.
Attach the pieces with twine to make it into a hanging decoration.
Give it a try!