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May 5, Tue.

- koi-nobori(colorful carp streamers)
- Judit & an auction for freshwater aquarium fish
- kendo

- Let's meet the beautiful fish, Kazo -
Situated close to Tonegawa, in the northern part of Saitama Prefecture is Kazo City where herabuna, or crucian carp fishing is very popular. Here, we will experience the essence of the angler's words, "Begin with herabuna, and end with herabuna". An auction is held in Kazo every week for freshwater aquarium fish. Here, many beautiful goldfish and carp go up for the bid. A recent favorite is the Japanese rice fish or medaka. We will take a closer look at the auction where a special sign language is used for the transactions.

The martial art, kendo is also popular in Kazo. Early evening, many children practice kendo amongst adults in the dojo. We will look at the craftsmen who make the kendo equipment. There will be a report on a kendo equipment expert carrying the hundred-year old tradition, and his novice apprentice who will eventually take on the responsibility.

Samurai figures and carp streamers called koinobori are symbolic decorations for Tango no Sekku or the Boys'Festival in May, when parents wish for the healthy growth of children. According to legend, carps are said to climb to the heavens and become dragons. We will visit a koinobori craftsman, who has previously created a gigantic koinobori reaching 100 meters in length. Also appearing will be a family ready to put up the koinobori. Together with this family, the koinobori will be hoisted high into the sky to wish for the healthy growth of children.

Traveler: Judit Kawaguchi

[Access]
An hour's train ride from Tokyo takes you to Kazo, situated on the northernmost part of Saitama Prefecture.
Goldfish auction takes place every Wednesday, and can be viewed by the public upon request.
Various types of koinobori are available in lengths ranging from 1-meter to 10-meters.