Celebrations were held across Japan ahead of Children’s Day on May 5.

In Kazo City, Saitama Prefecture, the world’s largest koinobori, or giant carp streamer, attracted large crowds on May 3.

The carp streamer was originally created as part of a regional revitalization project in Kazo City.

It stretches 100 meters long, approximately 10 meters wide, weighs 330 kilograms, and is said to be the largest carp streamer in the world.

It was lifted into the air by a massive crane.

Organizers said approximately 77,000 people visited the event.

The event took place as Japan recorded another decline in the number of children.

According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, the number of children under the age of 15 stood at 13.29 million as of April 1, 2026, down 350,000 from the year 2025.

The figure has declined for 45 consecutive years since 1982, reaching the lowest level on record.

Children now account for just 10.8 percent of Japan’s total population, down 0.3 percentage points from last year.

The ratio has also continued to decline for 52 straight years since 1975, marking another record low.

According to United Nations data for countries with populations of 40 million or more, South Korea has the world’s lowest proportion of children at 10.2 percent.

Japan ranks second lowest, followed by Italy and Spain.