In Japanese folklore, koi fish are revered for their symbolic representation of perseverance, strength, and transformation.
One of the better-known stories, known as "Koi no taki nobori" (鯉の滝登り) in Japanese, tells of a koi swimming upstream and conquering a powerful waterfall.
The gods rewarded the successful fish by transforming it into a beautiful golden dragon.
There are many versions of this story in both Chinese and Japanese folklore, passed down through the generations via oral storytelling. The legend emphasises the importance of overcoming obstacles and achieving one’s goals.
In Japanese culture, koi fish are closely associated with the samurai warrior class due to their symbolism of strength, perseverance, and overcoming adversity—qualities reflected in the samurai's code of conduct. Additional legends portray koi as symbols of love and affection, often depicted swimming in pairs. In modern-day Japan, koi are celebrated through koinobori (carp streamers) during Children’s Day (5th May). These colourful streamers, shaped like koi, are flown outside homes, schools, and public spaces.
Koinobori are more than mere decorations; they symbolise parents’ hopes that their children will grow up strong, healthy, and successful—like the carp swimming upstream. Traditionally, koinobori are displayed in a family formation: the largest black carp represents the father, followed by a red carp for the mother, and smaller carps for each child.
Poster Visuals:
Koi carp The Koi carp is a fish that migrates up streams and rivers in order to reach its goal, symbolizing courage, perseverance, virility and triumph. The word koi in Japanese means "carp" but also "love" or "falling in love". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jcCUakuApxw
Kanji calligraphy Also known as shodo, is a revered art form in Japan, involving the artistic writing of kanji characters using a brush and ink. Kanji are Chinese characters that have been adopted into the Japanese writing system, and they are combined with hiragana and katakana to create the written Japanese language. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5B_atij3F8Q
Dragons In the legend of the Koi that transforms into a dragon, the dragon is typically depicted as a long, scaled, serpentine creature with sharp claws, teeth, and often horns, antlers, or beards. The dragon's scales are often described as golden, symbolising the reward for the Koi's perseverance.
While they are very similar, Japanese and Chinese dragons are subtly different in their appearances. Japanese dragons are more snake-like and slender and have three claws rather than the four or five found on the Chinese counterparts. https://armored-drake.com/japanese-dragon/
Japanese Children’s Day -Kodomo no Hi Due to their deep connections with Japanese traditions, koi fish play a major role in Kodomo no Hi (Japanese Children’s Day) celebrations. On May 5, every year, families take out the Koinobori or “koi streamer,” and fly above their homes. The Koinobori is a windsock that’s designed to look like a koi fish. https://aboutjapan.japansociety.org/kodomo_no_hi_childrens_day_celebration#sthash.I3XC9Ytm.dpbs
To view how the Augmented Reality poster looks on a phone using Adobe Aero watch the video below.
To view the other prints in the set click here:Lepus | Horus| Koi
Find out more about Japanese history
Gion Festival –Koi Yama(The Carp That Became a Dragon) This Kyoto‑based cultural heritage site provides an in‑depth look at the legendary carp depicted in the Gion Matsuri’sKoiYama float. It explains how a carp’s ascension symbolises spiritual awakening—climbing a waterfall, transforming into a dragon, and achieving enlightenment. 🌐 https://www.gionfestival.org/yamaboko-floats/ato-matsuri/koi-yama/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Koinobori Traditions For an expanded look at cultural symbolism, the Motenas Japan page on koinobori wind‑streamers explains their origin in the Dragon Gate legend and how the koi‑dragon metaphor led to today’s Japanese Children’s Day tradition. 🌐 https://en.motenas-japan.jp/koinobori-history/?utm_source=chatgpt.com The Tokyo National Museum Located in Ueno Park, this museum is Japan's oldest and largest museum, housing an extensive collection of Japanese and Asian art and artefacts. It features six main galleries including the Japanese Gallery (Honkan), Asian Gallery (Toyokan), and the Gallery of Horyuji Treasures. The museum has a collection of dragon-related objects, including a dragon design on an Obi sash, a Cintamani Mandala, and various sword fittings with dragon designs. 🌐https://www.tnm.jp/?lang=en
Images: Graceful koi fish swimming in serene water by Usman 浅間大滝の光芒 By T.Hasebe Font:
Augmented Reality Poster To view this poster in English with extra historical information, view the poster on a computer screen with Adobe Aero on your Apple or Android phone or iPad so you can see a Augmented Reality version of the poster design.
Scan the QR code below to install the free app onto your phone or iPad.Once Adobe Aero is installed then view the QR code below with the camera on your devise and follow the link provided.
