Hundreds of carp streamers soar above a beach in central Japan

Residents of Kumano City in central Japan have hoisted hundreds of colorful carp-shaped streamers ahead of Children's Day on May 5.

About 100 people, including local high school students, gathered at a beach in the city on Saturday.

They tied about 250 streamers to a rope and raised it into the sky.

The fish is considered a symbol of healthy growth and great success. Legend has it that a carp once swam upstream into a waterfall and became a dragon.

The annual event started about 40 years ago, but was cancelled over the past three years during the coronavirus pandemic.

Morioka Tadao, a representative of the organizers, says he wants many people to visit the beach to see the magnificent view.

The streamers will be on display until May 5.