[ti:Animals Receive Blessings in Place of Children in Aging Japan]
[al:Arts and Culture]
[ar:VOA]
[dt:2023-11-15]
[by:www.voase.cn]
[00:00.00]A traditional ceremony for children in Japan is growing popular for animals there as well.
[00:10.86]Natsuki Aoki recently flew with her two Chihuahua dogs from the western city of Hiroshima to Tokyo, the nation's capital. 
[00:24.45]She took the trip so the little dogs could receive a special blessing at the Zama Shrine, a Shinto holy place.
[00:35.96]Aoki noted that few religious centers are open to animals.
[00:43.98]"I think it would be great to see more places like this," the 33-year-old said on Tuesday.
[00:52.44]The Zama Shrine dates back to the 6th century.
[00:58.82]It is about 25 kilometers southwest of Tokyo. 
[01:04.83]The religious center established a prayer area for animals in 2012. 
[01:13.28]It now hosts Shichi-Go-San ceremonies where animal owners can pray for the health and happiness of their dogs and cats.
[01:26.06]The ceremony, which means Seven-Five-Three in Japanese, is traditionally celebrated in mid-November for children reaching those ages. 
[01:40.54]Parents dress their girls and boys in kimonos and bring them to a Shinto holy place for the ceremony.
[01:50.65]On Tuesday, several people led their animals up the steps of the Inuneko Jinja, or Dog-Cat Shrine.
[02:02.73]They prayed and received a blessing from a Shinto clergy.
[02:08.89]Six Shiba Inu dogs wearing kimonos lined up for pictures at the event.
[02:17.55]Japan's birth rate dropped for a seventh straight year in 2022 to a record low, while deaths increased to an all-time high.
[02:32.26]"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 Yoshinori Hiraga of the Zama Shrine.
[02:50.60]"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 ages of three, five, and seven," said Hiraga.
[03:07.33]The clergy estimated about 120 pets would be brought to the shrine this season.
[03:15.94]Among them was Masayo Tashiro, who brought two dogs, a terrier and a Pomeranian to the center as she made offerings and prayers.
[03:29.79]"They are very important to me, like my own children," said the 53-year-old caregiver.
[03:37.61]"I came here to pray that they will have a safe and healthy life with us together."
[03:44.99]I'm Caty Weaver.