News Discussion

Hundreds of Carp Streamers and Community Spirit Soar in Kumano

Along the picturesque Shichiri-Mihama Beach in Kumano City, Mie Prefecture, the skyline is adorned with a vibrant display of approximately 250 koinobori carp streamers.

Since 1984, this tradition has marked Japan's annual holiday period from April 29 to May 5, known as "Golden Week." Each year, the streamers dance energetically in the winds blowing from the Kumano Nada sea.

In 2023, the civic group organizing this event announced its discontinuation. However, the city's young adults in their 20s and 30s took up the mantle to ensure the tradition continued, establishing the "Minna no Koinobori no Kai" ("Carp Streamer Association for Everyone").

April 28 was the first day of the festivities. Around 150 local high school students and residents joined forces to put up the carp streamers under the guidance of seasoned members from the previous organizing committee.

Nishigaito (28), the newly appointed representative of the association, shared his connection to the event: "I grew up admiring this scenery since childhood, so I want to work hard to preserve it for future generations."

1. 1. picturesque （景色などが）絵のように美しい、（表現が）生き生きした
   The small village was so picturesque that it seemed to leap out of a storybook.
2. 2. annual 年間の、年に一度の、例年の、毎年恒例の
   The company holds an annual meeting to discuss future plans.
3. 3. energetically 活発に、元気いっぱいに、力強く
   The children played energetically in the park all afternoon.
4. 4. join forces 力を合わせる、協力する
   Artists from different genres joined forces for the charity concert.
5. 5. preserve 保存する、維持する、保つ
   Efforts are being made to preserve endangered species.

1. 1. What is special about the skyline along Shichiri-Mihama Beach during the Golden Week?
2. 2. How long has the tradition of displaying koinobori carp streamers been going on?
3. 3. Describe the involvement of the local high school students and residents in the festivities.
4. 4. What are some annual events that you look forward to every year? Why are they special to you?
5. 5. Do you think it is important for younger generations to preserve cultural traditions? Why?

三重県熊野市の七里御浜海岸で４月２８日、約１キロにわたり、こいのぼり約２５０匹が掲げられた。１９８４年から続くゴールデンウイークの風物詩で、熊野灘から吹く風を受け元気に泳いだ。５月５日まで。

昨年、主催する市民団体が催し終了を発表したが、市内の２０～３０代の若者らが声を上げ、新団体「みんなの鯉のぼりの会」を結成、引き継いだ。

この日の作業には、地元の高校生や市民ら約１５０人が参加。昨年まで主催した団体のメンバーから指導を受け、こいのぼりを掲げた。

新団体の西垣内新代表（２８）は「小さい頃からこの景色を見て育った。頑張って次の世代に残したい」と話した。