The people of Kochi Prefecture fly carp streamers and “Furafu”, which is bigger than carp streamers, on Boys’ Day?!
The Boys’ Festival is an event held every year on May 5th to celebrate the birth of boys and pray for their healthy growth.
For girls, the Girls’ Festival, also known as the Peach Festival, is held every year on March 3rd.
フラフ＜Furafu, or flaff flags＞
Do Kochi residents display carp streamers and giant flags called “Furafu, or flaff flags” on Boys’ Day?!
Generally, only carp streamers are displayed.
”Furafu” is a giant flag that prays for the healthy growth of children and has a greater presence than a carp streamer.
There are about 10 ”Furafu” manufacturers in Kochi Prefecture, and there are particularly many in Kami City, where dyeing is popular.
It is also a filming location for the current NHK drama series “Anpan.”
The name ”Furafu” is thought to have evolved from “flags” first used by John Manjiro, a native of Kochi who returned to Japan from the United States at the end of the Edo period.
“Fluff” is made by stitching together 90cm or 110cm wide pieces of fabric to create a large canvas.
The fabric is always cotton, and is vibrantly dyed with dyes and pigments.
There are various designs, such as Sengoku warlords, the Seven Lucky Gods, and Kintaro, but custom orders are also possible.
It seems that a room the size of about 12 tatami mats can be made for around 130,000 yen.
It depends on the design, etc.
“Tabihiro Yosakoi” is held every Saturday, Sunday and public holiday in front of Kochi Station, where people wave their ”Furafu” at the event.
Some people remake ”Furafu” that they no longer need as their children grow up into parasols, tote bags, happi coats, and other items.
Marusan Mitani Dyeing Factory, founded in 1871.
It takes about a month to complete the process as multiple pieces are dyed by hand at the same time. It is very laborious as the dyeing is done so that it can be viewed from both sides.
＜Why furafu＞
Vertical nobori flags are flown together with carp streamers all over the country, but because nobori have too many straps to tie them to the pole, they are difficult to remove in the morning and evening during busy farm seasons.
It is thought that furafu, which is easy to remove, became popular mainly among farmers.
It is thought that the name “furafu” originated from what John Manjiro, a translator from Kochi Prefecture in the late Edo period who returned from the United States, called “Flag,” which later evolved into “furafu.”
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