Koinobori Reborn Project 2026 Exhibition

Koinobori, or carp streamers, are a traditional Japanese culture wishing for the healthy growth and happiness of children. Originating from the legend of the "Dragon Gate," they have been cherished and passed down, carrying the hopes and history of families. However, in recent years, due to changes in housing circumstances and family structures, fewer families display koinobori outdoors, and the number of koinobori stored away nationwide is increasing. Considering this situation, since 2022, Fukuya has been collecting "dormant koinobori" and displaying them annually from April to May, including Children's Day, on the rooftop "Hatchobori SORALA" of the Fukuya Hatchobori Main Store. To date, many customers have provided koinobori, and from their nostalgic stories and observations of visitors coming to see the exhibition, numerous "moments where memories come alive again" have been created. Responding to this positive feedback, Fukuya has now upgraded this initiative into an art project that creates "a new sky to swim in" for koinobori that have served their purpose, connecting culture and memories to the future, launching the "Koinobori Reborn Project 2026." ■ Initiatives of Koinobori Reborn Project 2026 A workshop to create carnations using a portion of the collected "dormant koinobori" was held at Fukuya rooftop SORALA. Additionally, preschoolers from nearby areas and users of psychiatric day care centers also cooperated in the creation. As recycled art, the exhibition began on the rooftop from Thursday, April 23. Through the recycled art of this Koinobori Reborn Project 2026, the "koinobori wishing for growth and happiness from parent to child" has transformed into "carnations expressing gratitude from child to parent." From Children's Day on May 5 to Mother's Day on May 10, emotions circulate, connecting family bonds through art. Scenes from the workshop for the completed recycled art piece "Ribbon of Water." Art supervision: Aya Matsushima Artist belonging to Alkemix. Began full-scale artist activities in 2024. Creates works with the theme "What is Peace?" and excels in expressions utilizing color and space. Active in a wide range of fields beyond art, including appearing in the NHK serial TV novel "Bakebake" in the latter half of fiscal year 2025. For this "Koinobori Reborn Project," she is responsible for creating the recycled art piece based on donated koinobori. ■ The largest koinobori is approximately 6m! 16 large and small streamers swim in the sky. In addition to the recycled art pieces, visitors can also enjoy the sight of various large and small koinobori swimming in the sky, as in previous years. The largest koinobori is about 6m. The majestic sight of koinobori swimming in the Hatchobori sky is spectacular. ■ Exhibition Period: Thursday, April 23 - Sunday, May 10 ■ Venue: Fukuya Hatchobori Main Store 9F Rooftop, Hatchobori SORALA https://www.fukuya-dept.co.jp/honten/special/?p=carpStreamer26 Keywords: