Blue Koinobori Project

The Blue Koinobori Project was started to memorialize children lost in the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and to pray for the healthy growth of all children. About 450 blue koinobori are displayed throughout Higashimatsushima City from March 11 to May 5 each year. Blue symbolizes the sky and sea, and the donated koinobori from across Japan serve as symbols of remembrance and hope. The project aims to become a '100-year festival,' sustained annually by local residents and volunteers.