Our family recently visited a professional photo studio near our home in Japan in order to have pictures taken of our daughter in formal kimono. This event was done as part of the shichi-go-san (literally “seven-five-three”) ceremony which is performed in Japan for girls aged three and seven and boys aged five. This very old tradition traces its origins back to the days when child mortality rates were high and parents wished to express their thanks to the gods when their boys and girls reached these important ages. During a formal ceremony the children would be dressed in their best outfits and taken around to visit friends and relatives before making a formal appearance at the local Shinto shrine (native religion of Japan).
Our daughter Emily is turning seven this year and she enjoyed greatly this pleasant trip to “Studio Alice” (the name of the photo studio) where, in addition to her formal Shichi-Go-San photos we also took advantage of the opportunity to sit for a family portrait.
Duration : 0:4:8
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October 23rd, 2009 at 1:17 pm
She is a prettiest …
She is a prettiest princess!
October 23rd, 2009 at 1:17 pm
Ima k33l u bcuz i r …
Ima k33l u bcuz i r islamik terizt
October 23rd, 2009 at 1:17 pm
aww she is so cute
aww she is so cute
October 23rd, 2009 at 1:17 pm
She looks very …
She looks very happy seeing herself in the mirror. ^_^
She’ll remember this for a long time.
October 23rd, 2009 at 1:17 pm
Hi TiramisuHappy, …
Hi TiramisuHappy, Thank you for your kind words. I’m happy to hear that this video brought back some nice memories.
It does seem that many photo studios in Japan now offer Shichigosan packages which include multiple outfits. This particular studio chain is called ‘Studio Alice’ and they have a special deal which includes a one day kimono rental service along with the studio photos. The photos can be taken in advance adn the kimono used when the family visits the shrine. -Kurt
October 23rd, 2009 at 1:17 pm
…sorry. Getting a …
…sorry. Getting a little too emotional. I’m actually crying… Wow! She’s absolutely, stunningly beautiful! You’re one handsome-looking family! It’s been eons since I had my shichi-go-san picture taken. (35+ years ago!!)
Although, back then, we didn’t have as many outfit changes as she did here. Is that the norm nowadays? One thing I loved growing up in Japan was the fact that we had many special (traditional) occasions only for children scattered all year round.
We don’t have any here.
October 23rd, 2009 at 1:17 pm
Not to worry Kurt, …
Not to worry Kurt, thanks for getting back!!!
BTW: Love the video…
October 23rd, 2009 at 1:17 pm
Hello phmedia, …
Hello phmedia, Thank you for watching and commenting. I’m not sure if you are referring to the video camera used to make the video or the photo studio’s digital camera. The video camera is a Sony Handycam. I’m afraid that I do not know anything about the camera used by the studio. Sorry. -Kurt
October 23rd, 2009 at 1:17 pm
What kind/make is …
What kind/make is this Camera…. is it 4×5?
thanks
October 23rd, 2009 at 1:17 pm
Emily is very …
Emily is very photogenic. All of you are. I love her photos and the family photo as well.
October 23rd, 2009 at 1:17 pm
I WANT TO WEAR A …
I WANT TO WEAR A KIMONO, TOO!!
October 23rd, 2009 at 1:17 pm
Ah, gotcha. Yeah, …
Either way, she looks great!
Ah, gotcha. Yeah, I remember shichigosan… don’t know why I said nine. I still remember Japan and Japanese enough that I knew better. Ah well…
October 23rd, 2009 at 1:17 pm
Actually this trip …
Actually this trip was just our annual summer holiday. However we are indeed celebrating Emily’s special 7th year in the shichigosan tradition as you mentioned. The years though are actually 3, 5 and 7 as shichi means 7, go means 5 and san means 3. Thanks for watching and commenting! -Kurt
October 23rd, 2009 at 1:17 pm
Hello! Is this for …
Hello! Is this for Emily’s 5th birthday? I know that in Japanese culture, the 5th, 7th, and 9th birthday’s are important.
She looks great in the photos!
October 23rd, 2009 at 1:17 pm
Hello muffles12, …
Hello muffles12, Emily is wearing a number of different kimomo as well as a gown provided by the photo studio. Yes, the fall season has certainly arrived here in Shizuoka though we have yet to see any snow atop nearby Mt. Fuji. Thanks for watching and commenting! -Kurt
October 23rd, 2009 at 1:17 pm
what your daughter …
what your daughter wearing? it is fall season have you seen snow yet or getting cold
October 23rd, 2009 at 1:17 pm
new tokyo …
new tokyo disneyland hotel is coming in july 8 2008 like disney grand flordia walt disney world resort and disneyland resort you been two?
October 23rd, 2009 at 1:17 pm
Hello muffles12, …
Hello muffles12, Thank you for viewing and commenting. My family and I have been to Tokyo Disneyland once and we had a great time! I especially enjoyed seeing Minnie Mouse wearing her kimono! The photos studio is called ‘Studio Alice’ located in Shizuoka city. I believe that there are many ‘Studio Alice’ portrait studios in Japan though I may be wrong. Thanks again for visiting! -Kurt
October 23rd, 2009 at 1:17 pm
did you go tokyo …
did you go tokyo disney resort ? is japan favorites place all time where is photo studios ?
October 23rd, 2009 at 1:17 pm
Aww! Your daughter …
Aww! Your daughter is so cute! =D
October 23rd, 2009 at 1:17 pm
Hi F1circuit, Thank …
Hi F1circuit, Thank you for your concern regarding the typhoon. The storm has passed now and I spotted many falled trees this morning though this appears to be the worst of the damage. I was hit by a flying bucket last night after I foolishly went outside to have a look. Otherwise no major damage to report in Shizuoka. I haven’t checked the full news yet and I hope that the same is true elsewhere in Japan. Thanks for asking. -Kurt
October 23rd, 2009 at 1:17 pm
As soon as it is …
As soon as it is all over please comment to let us know you and your family are alright.
October 23rd, 2009 at 1:17 pm
Hello F1circuit, …
Hello F1circuit, Thank you for writing and for your concern regarding the typhoon. Yes, we experience many typhoons and earthquakes here in Shizuoka. The center of this storm should pass directly over us later today and already the winds are howling and the rain is flooding everything! I’m hoping that noone will get hurt with this one. Thanks again for your concern! -Kurt
October 23rd, 2009 at 1:17 pm
Hey Kurt,
Good …
Hey Kurt,
Good video. I heard about a typhoon heading toward Japan on the weather channel and I immediately thought of you and your family. I hope you guys stay safe, they said it might hit the Tokyo vacinity. I wondered if you have encountered many earthquakes or typhoons while living in Japan. Thanks for responding to my comments and others; it is very much appreciated. -f1circuit
October 23rd, 2009 at 1:17 pm
Hello Luminasita, …
Hello Luminasita, Thank you for watching and commenting. Before cameras came along the kids would walk about their neighborhood visiting family and friends before then going to the local shrine. These events still take place today though the photo shoot is an important new addition. -Kurt