With birth rates falling in Japan a traditional ceremony for children is now allowing cats and dogs for the rite. The Zama shrine started welcoming pets in 2012 for the Shichi-Go-San (Seven-Five-Three) blessing where pet parents can pray for the health and happiness of their animals. It is a way for the pet owners to thank the gods for their pets at ages three, five and seven. The owners continue the tradition of dressing their pets in kimonos as if they were children. I think it's great that they have their population under control since over population is more of a problem every day...remember in the late 60s and early 70s when people were trying to promote ZPG (zero population growth)? We wouldn't be in such bad shape globally if that idea would have taken root.
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