A town's revitalization effort rides the winds. 150 Nobori are placed over Tama's Gotanda River/Kawasaki

Translated from the original article at: http://news.kanaloco.jp/localnews/article/1204240035/

April 25, 2012

Koi (fish) nobori decorate the Gotanda River=Tama Ward

Over the Gotanda River of Ikutawa, Tama Ward, Kawasaki City, Koi Nobori pleasantly swim in the light winds.

Aiming to revitalize their town, a self-governing committee of Gotanda residents have been using a house to collect koi nobori not in use. Since posting a notice 4 years prior, the number of flags have increased each year, totaling 150 in 2012. The sight of them can be enjoyed until May 5th.

Continuing the desire for revitalization from last year's earthquake disaster, messages such as "Help the North-East" were written on the abdomens of 6 koi nobori. A member of the committee visited Minamisanriku Town, Miyagi Prefecture in February. Having taken pictures of the location, they're now being displayed along the side of the river.

Chizuko Nakamura (65), a housewife of Tama: "We're glad to see so many koi nobori nearby. We hope our grandchildren can come visit and see them during Golden Week," she said with a smile.


Original text:
町おこし願い風に乗せ、多摩の五反田川上にこいのぼり１５０匹/川崎
2012年4月25日

五反田川上に飾られたこいのぼり＝多摩区

川崎市多摩区生田の五反田川の上で、こいのぼりが薫風に乗って気持ち良さそうに泳いでいる。

町おこしを狙い、地元の五反田自治会が家で使わなくなったこいのぼりなどを集めて、４年前から掲出。年々数を増やし、今年は１５０匹を並べた。５月５日まで楽しめる。

昨年に続き、震災復興を願って「東北応援」などとメッセージが腹に描かれたものも６匹登場。同自治会役員が２月に宮城県南三陸町を訪れた際に、現地を撮影した写真も川沿いに展示している。

区内に住む主婦中村千鶴子さん（65）は「身近でこんなにたくさんこいのぼりを見られるのはうれしい。ゴールデンウイーク中に孫を連れてきたい」と笑顔で話していた。