May 5th, 2022 marks子供の日 Kodomo no Hi (Children’s Day) a significant holiday for Japanese people within the homeland and the diaspora. Kodomo no Hi celebrates the growth, happiness, and prosperity of youth. We fly koinobori, or carp streamer kites because carps represent determination, perseverance, and spirit. Carps swim against the current.

Executive Order 9066 resulted in the forced removals and incarceration of 120,000 Japanese Americans. In 2021, 122,000 unaccompanied migrant children were being “processed” by the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR). In reality, these children were being placed in appalling ghastly conditions where they continued to be abused and traumatized.

We fly our koinobori not only to honor the legacy of our elders and ancestors within our community who were incarcerated as young people/ in their youth but to support and fight for migrants today!