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7-5-3 Day, known as Shichi-Go-San in Japanese, is a traditional rite of passage and festival day in Japan for three- and seven-year-old girls and three- and five-year-old boys, celebrated annually on November 15. While it is not a national holiday, it is widely observed throughout the country.
The origins of Shichi-Go-San date back to the Heian period (794 to 1185). The practice began among court nobles who celebrated the growth of their children on specific days. Over time, these customs spread to the samurai class and later to the common people during the Edo period (1603 to 1868). The ages three, five, and seven are considered lucky numbers in Japanese numerology.
On Shichi-Go-San:
Dress Up: Children are dressed in traditional attire—girls wear kimonos, while boys wear a kimono or a haori jacket and hakama pants.
Visit Shrines: Families visit Shinto shrines with their children to pray for their health and well-being.
Chitose Ame: After shrine visits, children receive "chitose ame," which are long, thin candy sticks that symbolize healthy growth and longevity. These candies are often given in bags decorated with turtles and cranes—both symbols of longevity in Japan.
Although November 15 is the traditional date for Shichi-Go-San, families may choose a nearby weekend or convenient day around this date for celebrations due to modern work schedules. Professional photo sessions for children in their traditional attire are also popular on this occasion.
