Coming-of-Age Ceremony/20th Birthday Gathering

 

This event is organized by local governments to celebrate and encourage young people who will reach adulthood within the fiscal year.

The reference date is Coming of Age Day, which is held on the second Monday of January each year, and many municipalities continue to target those aged 20 as usual.

Each region has its own unique characteristics. It is common for people to participate in traditional costumes, but some regions have their own unique customs, such as Ryukyu dance and snow processions.

It is also an opportunity to reunite with old friends (after graduating from high school, students move to other prefectures to continue their studies or find work), and it is a joyous occasion to reunite with old friends when they return to their hometowns.

Formal suits, dresses, furisode kimonos, haori hakama, etc. are common.

Of course, there are no hard and fast rules.

Each region has its own unique atmosphere, and it becomes a hot topic on television every year.

It could be said to be a turning point in life.

I want to support you so that you can live a life without regrets.

Well, see you next time.

"Shichi-Go-San Shrine Visit"

 

What kind of event is Shichi-Go-San?

It is said that Shichi-Go-San originated from a custom that was performed in samurai society during the Edo period as a rite of passage to celebrate the growth of children.

The current Shichi-Go-San style is said to have been created by combining three ceremonies: "Kamioki" (starting to grow hair at age 3), "Hakama-gi" (wearing hakama for the first time at age 5), and "Obi-hakki" (tying an obi like an adult's obi) at age 7.

Shichi-Go-San is usually celebrated at a shrine on November 15th, but recently it has become common to hold the celebration on a different date to avoid crowds.

There are also Shichi-Go-San styles that do not adhere to tradition, such as wearing celebratory attire when visiting the shrine and Western clothing such as a dress or tuxedo for commemorative photos.

As times change, the events change little by little.

In any case, celebrating a child's growth is universal.

I pray for you to have dreams and hopes, and for you to be healthy and peaceful.

Well, see you next time.

Newborn baby's "Omiya-mairi"

 

This is the first time in my life that I visit a shrine or temple.

The shrine visit is a ceremony to thank God for the birth of a baby and pray for the baby's healthy growth.

According to ancient customs, boys and girls visited the shrine on different days.

Nowadays, the health of the baby and mother is given top priority, and more and more families visit the shrine on a day when they are able to go out after their baby's one-month checkup.

The original purpose is to visit the shrine where the local guardian deity (ujigami) of the area where you live is enshrined.

Some people go to famous shrines, shrines near their parents' home, or shrines where they prayed for an easy delivery.

There are no strict rules.

This is a ritual to thank God for the baby's safe birth and to pray for its healthy growth.

The baby is dressed in ceremonial attire, and the mother, father, and grandparents also visit the shrine dressed in formal attire that matches the baby.

It is common to see babies wearing kimonos.

It's a very pretty sight and makes you feel happy when you see it.

Well, see you next time.

Image of "Japanese clothing"

When you hear the word "kimono," what do you imagine?

It has a long history in Japan, said to date back 1,200 years.

So there was a change in shape.

I think the origin of this is the clothing worn by members of the Imperial family at Japanese Imperial events.

Actual images cannot be posted here.

This image shows dolls displayed for Hinamatsuri.

I think the shape of the kimono and hairstyle are similar to those of the time.

Although lifestyles have changed, they are still sometimes worn today.

We will gradually spread the appeal of Japanese clothing.

I would be happy to share it with you all.

Well, see you next time.