Society Shichi-Go-San, now for pets

[thomas]

As much as I love dogs, this seems weird: as Japan's birth rates continue to decline, more pet owners are embracing a traditional ceremony for children for their furry companions. Natsuki Aoki flew her two Chihuahuas from Hiroshima to Tokyo to have them blessed at a rare pet-friendly shrine. "I wish there were more places like this where pets are welcome and can enter the shrine. I think it's a wonderful thing," Aoki, 33, said on Tuesday.

Photo credit: Reuters​

The Zama Shrine, which dates back to the 6th century and lies about 35 kilometres (22 miles) southwest of Tokyo, established a specific prayer site for pets in 2012. It now hosts Shichi-Go-San rituals where pet parents can pray for the health and happiness of their animals. The rite, which means Seven-Five-Three in Japanese, is traditionally celebrated in mid-November for children reaching those ages. Parents dress their girls and boys in kimonos and bring them to a Shinto holy place for the ceremony. On Tuesday, numerous pet owners led their charges up the steep steps to reach the Inuneko Jinja, or Dog-Cat Shrine, to pray and receive a blessing from a Shinto priest. Six Shiba Inu dogs dressed in kimonos lined up for pictures at the event. Japan's birth rate declined for a seventh straight year in 2022 to a record low, while deaths increased to an all-time high. "The number of children is decreasing each year, and as a result, more and more people are pouring their love into their dogs and cats," said Zama Shrine priest Yoshinori Hiraga. "We want to offer the pet owners a place at Zama Shrine for them to thank the gods when their dogs and cats reach the age of three, five, and seven," said Hiraga, 33, who estimated about 120 pets would be brought to the shrine this season.

Dogs don kimonos, receive blessings in place of children in aging Japan

A traditional ceremony for children is catching on among pet owners in Japan, where dogs and cats are receiving ever more attention amid the nation's plummeting birth rates.

www.reuters.com

 

[mdchachi]

I'm sure other shrines will wake up as soon as they realize the kind of cash flow this can generate.

 

[thomas]

I'm sure other shrines will wake up as soon as they realize the kind of cash flow this can generate.

Many Buddhist temples have per cemeteries, but this is a new twist.

 

[Grandpa Frank]

I swear almost everyone on my street has a dog now and also several cat owners like myself. The local animal shelter raked in enough money to build a million dollar building to take in more pets. About once a month they fly a plane to some other state or country to haul in more pets. Each and every month they manage to adopt out about 50 more pets. The cost for food and a vet visit is through the roof now. I've had cats for almost 40 years , but when my 16 year old passes , no more. She costs me about $3000US a year now for special food and medicine. To adopt a cat or dog from the animal shelter now runs between $250US and $500US , but the price doesn't seem to stop people. I bet the pet industry outdoes the baby industry by several million now days.