Animals

Dogs and Cats Welcomed To Join Traditional Shrine Rites in Japan

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By Howard Chang/Michael Reid

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A growing number of Japanese pet owners are taking their dogs and cats to Shinto shrines for blessings traditionally reserved for children celebrating Shichi-Go-San. The custom marks important ages in a child's life, with families visiting shrines to pray for health and good fortune. But as Japan's birthrate continues to decline, some shrines have begun welcoming pets seen as beloved family members. Owners say they want the same prayers and protection for their animals, while priests acknowledge changing social trends. At some shrines, more than a hundred pets now take part in ceremonies each year alongside their human companions.

These pups have hit a birthday milestone. And their parents couldn’t be happier. That’s why they’re here at this shrine, dressed in traditional garb, paws out for blessings.

DOG OWNER:
"They are very important to me, like my own children. Today is the date of Shichi-Go-San, so I came here to pray that they will have a safe and healthy life with us together."

Shichi-Go-San is a Japanese tradition where parents take their 7-, 5- or 3-year old children to the shrine for prayers and good fortune. But Japan, like Taiwan, has seen its birthrate plunge over the past two decades. So some shrines in recent years are allowing pet owners to get in on the benedictions.

CAT OWNER:
"This little one is like my child - she's family. So yes, I'd be very grateful if we could pray for her just as you would for a human. That's why I've come here."

DOG OWNER:
"This dog is getting older. It’s considered old (at the age of seven). So I came to pray that it will stay healthy for as long as possible."

As per tradition, the supplicants lead their pets to the shrine, pray and receive a blessing from a Shinto priest. Some shrines expect well over a hundred furry visitors each year.

KAJI KENJI, PRIEST, ICHIGAYA KAMEGAOKA HACHIMANGU SHRINE:
"Yes, ideally it would be best if we saw more children celebrating Shichi-Go-San. Still, I think what's been happening is that, as members of the family, the status of pets has gradually, little by little, adapted to modern times."

DOG OWNER:
"There aren’t many shrines that welcome pets and allow them to walk inside, so I think it would be great to see more places like this."

Whether this religious trend will take off or remain a niche service is uncertain. For now, parents can be proud and celebrate that their precious ones have made it to another auspicious year.

Howard Chang and Michael Reid for TaiwanPlus.