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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Saturday, November 11, 2006

SATURDAY SCOOPS
JCCH hosts traditional Shinto blessings for keiki

 •  Whiz kids in training

Advertiser Staff

In 2004, Leah Loudermilk and her sister, Kira, donned kimono at Shichi Go San, at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai'i.

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The Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai'i will host Shichi Go San from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. tomorrow. Literally translated as "seven, five, three," the coming-of-age tradition is for children — girls ages 3 to 7 and boys ages 3 to 5. Parents take their kids to Shinto shrines on Nov. 15, or the closest weekend, to pray that their offspring have long, prosperous lives.

At the JCCH, children can don kimono ($70 for nonmembers; $56 for JCCH members) provided by Masako Formals and pose for a portrait taken by a professional photographer. A priest from the Izuma Taishakyo Mission of Hawai'i will perform a traditional Shinto blessing. Photo packages are sold separately ($20-$55). Reservations: 945-7633, www.jcch.com.