At Zama Shrine, kimono-wearing dogs, cats blessed as Japanese want more children

In Japan, where dog and cat ownership is growing due to the country's declining birth rates, a customary ritual for youngsters is becoming increasingly popular among pet owners.

In order to give her two Chihuahuas a unique blessing, Natsuki Aoki flew from the western city of Hiroshima to Tokyo with them.

"There aren't many shrines that welcome pets and allow them to walk inside, so I think it would be great to see more places like this," Aoki, 33, said on Tuesday.

In 2012, the Zama Shrine, located around 35 kilometres (22 miles) southwest of Tokyo and dating back to the 6th century, created a dedicated prayer area for dogs. Pet parents may now pray for their animals' health and happiness at Shichi-Go-San rites.

For children who attain certain ages, the rite, known as Seven-Five-Three in Japanese, is customarily observed around mid-November. For the ritual, parents dress their boys and girls in kimonos and bring them to a sacred location in Shinto.

Many pet owners escorted their animals up the steep steps to the Dog-Cat Shrine, also known as Inuneko Jinja, on Tuesday in order to pray and obtain a blessing from a Shinto priest. At the occasion, six Shiba Inus in kimonos posed for photos.

In 2022, Japan's birth rate fell to a record low for the seventh consecutive year, while the country's mortality rate rose to an all-time high.

Priest Yoshinori Hiraga of Zama Shrine stated, "As the number of children declines annually, more and more people are showing their love to their dogs and cats."

"We want to offer the pet owners a place at Zama Shrine for them to thank the gods when their dogs and cats reach the age of three, five, and seven," said Hiraga, 33, who estimated about 120 pets would be brought to the shrine this season.

Masayo Tashiro was one of them; she took her Pomeranian and terrier to the location and offered prayers and sacrifices.

"They are very important to me, like my own children," said the 53-year old caregiver. "I came here to pray that they will have a safe and healthy life with us together."