Japanese Seasonal Festivals - Canon CREATIVE PARK

Boys' Day is an annual event in Japan, said to have its origins in ancient Chinese rituals for repelling evil spirits. On this day, people display decorations to protect their sons from misfortune and to pray for their health. There are Boys' Day decorations to display outside the house (streamers shapes like carp or decorated with pictures of warriors) as well as ones to display inside (armour and helmets, or child warrior decorations). The carp streamers symbolize success in life, and the inside decorations a healthy upbringing, meaning it is best to display both types of decorations.

This paper craft is a kabuto kazari, a decoration featuring a Samurai helmet (kabuto) in the middle, with a bow and sword on both sides. The folding screen, helmet, sword, and other items can be removed to store. During Japan's long history as a nation run by Samurai, helmets and armor were regarded as extremely important items for keeping a man safe in battle. Although they are no longer used today, they are still viewed as symbols of protection and displayed on Boys' Day to pray for a life free of accidents and illness.

Paper Craft: Miniature Kabuto Kazari Set

On the Boys' Festival, Kabuto Kazari is displayed with the hope that it will keep our children from accidents and illness.
This Kabuto Kazari paper craft is small and easy to make. Even with its small size, this set features a suit of armor in the center and a bow and sword.

Paper Craft: Miniature Carp Streamers Set

This paper craft features carp streamers that are displayed during the Boys' Festival with the hope of success in life for the children.
This small and easy-to-make craft can be displayed on a desk.
The set includes an arrow-spoked wheel, a flying-dragon streamer, and carp streamers, and the pole can be removed from the base and displayed separately.

This is a carp streamer set that can be made easily by just folding paper. The background and sticks require the use of scissors and glue. Display these cute little carp streamers in your room to celebrate Boys' Day.

This is a helmet that can be made easily by cutting out a square and folding the paper. The craft follows the traditional method for folding an origami helmet, and features a chiyogami-type design, resulting in a slightly different helmet than the usual single-colored origami.

This paper craft is a windmill that spins fast and whirrs in the wind.
Make it even more fun by running with it and making it spin even faster.

This shadow box displays the artwork "Suidobashi" and "Surugadai" which are part of a series of paintings called the "One Hundred Famous Views of Edo" depicting scenes from downtown Edo (now Tokyo) and the outskirts of the town, by ukiyoe artist Hiroshige Utagawa. It features a remarkably lifelike carp streamer that looks like it may jump out of the picture at any moment.　