At this time of year, you can see them everywhere, flying in parks, schools and gardens, strung up over rivers and hung from balconies: they are 鯉のぼり (koi nobori), carp streamers.
I saw these this weekend in 大分農業文化公園 (Oita nougyou bunka kouen) Oita Agricultural Park, and found them particularly impressive.
The carp has a very positive image in Japan. It is a strong, energetic fish that is able to swim upstream, overcoming the current. Hence they have come to represent success, persistence and strength in the face of adversity.
Given the recent tragedies and struggles now facing Japan, they are a very appropriate symbol. I wish Japan much strength in the face of adversity.
頑張って日本！
For a first hand account of what's happening in the disaster stricken area, there is an English translation of a blog written by a Japanese aid worker: http://jkts-english.blogspot.com/
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