Tokyo Shrine Blesses Pets at Children’s Festival

At Tokyo’s Shichi-Go-San festival, traditionally a celebration of children’s growth at ages three, five and seven, owners brought kimono-clad cats and dogs to receive blessings at a Shinto shrine. The ritual reflects changing family structures and Japan’s declining birthrate, as more people regard pets as family members. The shrine has welcomed about 400 pet-owning families to each festival since the early 2000s.