Shichi-go-san is a tradition in Japan to celebrate the birthday and age when a child turns 7, 5, or 3. While I’m not an expert on the heritage, it is common custom to take at least one family picture with the child at the time of any of these three ages.

We did this before in the Bay Area when our son was 5 but our daughter was just 2. So, as planned by my bride, we decided to do this again while we were in Tokyo since our daughter was now 7. It turned out to be a special affair filled with some firsts and long time coming experiences. The most important being our daughter wearing a kimono and an obi at the previous age of 7 – a significant milestone that marks a young girl’s transition to womanhood.

The experience was great because everything was taken care of for us by the studio known as “Alice’s Studio:” attire, venue, make up (for our daughter especially), etc.

Despite so many personal experiences in the country, this was my first time wearing a Japanese kimono. It was a special experience, and I was personally touched by all of the pictures, especially with my daughter and son as you can see here.

My in-laws joined us for the pictures, and I learned that it was the first time in a long time that they had worn a Japanese kimono. It was meaningful to have them there with us in these lifetime pictures that, hopefully, our kids and their own will appreciate years from now.