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  • Hina Matsuri is a Japanese doll festival, also known as Momo-no-Sekku the "Peach Festival." It is held every year on March 3rd and is a time during which people pray for the well being of young girls. The festival has its origins in a Chinese exorcism ritual in which people transferred evil spirits to doll surrogates (katashiro) by rubbing paper dolls on their bodies. They then threw the paper dolls into a river...In the late 1700's people started to make dolls out of clay. Many young girls began to collect them and mothers saved the collections to be displayed on the day of ritual that has come to be known as the Hina Matsuri. Over time the designs of the dolls have evolved. The dolls of today are exquisite and costly works of art, usually dressed with real kimonos. Girls receive a set from their parents or grandparents at birth or on their first birthday, and these become a part of the bridal trousseau. The set is usually comprised of an emperor, his wife and their attendants. The dolls are displayed on a five or seven-tiered shelf (hina-dan), with the emperor and empress (dairi-sama), dressed in ancient court costumes, occupying the place of honor on the top tier. In attendance on lower shelves are ministers and other dignitaries, court ladies and musicians. Miniature lacquered dinner sets, tea ceremony utensils, musical instruments, palanquins and other trappings of royalty are also displayed. The dolls are exhibited for a few days up until March 3rd and are then put away. It is believed that to leave them out after that date would bring bad luck to the girls...In Japan, the boys have a similar celebration on May 5th. The boy's display may include gods, warriors, armor, a white horse and other animals, all meant to represent valiance and character that the boy will need to achieve manhood. The armor is for the boy?s protection, and the other trappings of a warrior are to bring him strength. Each doll has a specific name, purpose and social status. Some of these
  • Hina Matsuri is a Japanese doll festival, also known as Momo-no-Sekku the "Peach Festival." It is held every year on March 3rd and is a time during which people pray for the well being of young girls. The festival has its origins in a Chinese exorcism ritual in which people transferred evil spirits to doll surrogates (katashiro) by rubbing paper dolls on their bodies. They then threw the paper dolls into a river...In the late 1700's people started to make dolls out of clay. Many young girls began to collect them and mothers saved the collections to be displayed on the day of ritual that has come to be known as the Hina Matsuri. Over time the designs of the dolls have evolved. The dolls of today are exquisite and costly works of art, usually dressed with real kimonos. Girls receive a set from their parents or grandparents at birth or on their first birthday, and these become a part of the bridal trousseau. The set is usually comprised of an emperor, his wife and their attendants. The dolls are displayed on a five or seven-tiered shelf (hina-dan), with the emperor and empress (dairi-sama), dressed in ancient court costumes, occupying the place of honor on the top tier. In attendance on lower shelves are ministers and other dignitaries, court ladies and musicians. Miniature lacquered dinner sets, tea ceremony utensils, musical instruments, palanquins and other trappings of royalty are also displayed. The dolls are exhibited for a few days up until March 3rd and are then put away. It is believed that to leave them out after that date would bring bad luck to the girls...In Japan, the boys have a similar celebration on May 5th. The boy's display may include gods, warriors, armor, a white horse and other animals, all meant to represent valiance and character that the boy will need to achieve manhood. The armor is for the boy?s protection, and the other trappings of a warrior are to bring him strength. Each doll has a specific name, purpose and social status. Some of these
  • Hina Matsuri is a Japanese doll festival, also known as Momo-no-Sekku the "Peach Festival." It is held every year on March 3rd and is a time during which people pray for the well being of young girls. The festival has its origins in a Chinese exorcism ritual in which people transferred evil spirits to doll surrogates (katashiro) by rubbing paper dolls on their bodies. They then threw the paper dolls into a river...In the late 1700's people started to make dolls out of clay. Many young girls began to collect them and mothers saved the collections to be displayed on the day of ritual that has come to be known as the Hina Matsuri. Over time the designs of the dolls have evolved. The dolls of today are exquisite and costly works of art, usually dressed with real kimonos. Girls receive a set from their parents or grandparents at birth or on their first birthday, and these become a part of the bridal trousseau. The set is usually comprised of an emperor, his wife and their attendants. The dolls are displayed on a five or seven-tiered shelf (hina-dan), with the emperor and empress (dairi-sama), dressed in ancient court costumes, occupying the place of honor on the top tier. In attendance on lower shelves are ministers and other dignitaries, court ladies and musicians. Miniature lacquered dinner sets, tea ceremony utensils, musical instruments, palanquins and other trappings of royalty are also displayed. The dolls are exhibited for a few days up until March 3rd and are then put away. It is believed that to leave them out after that date would bring bad luck to the girls...In Japan, the boys have a similar celebration on May 5th. The boy's display may include gods, warriors, armor, a white horse and other animals, all meant to represent valiance and character that the boy will need to achieve manhood. The armor is for the boy?s protection, and the other trappings of a warrior are to bring him strength. Each doll has a specific name, purpose and social status. Some of these
  • Hina Matsuri is a Japanese doll festival, also known as Momo-no-Sekku the "Peach Festival." It is held every year on March 3rd and is a time during which people pray for the well being of young girls. The festival has its origins in a Chinese exorcism ritual in which people transferred evil spirits to doll surrogates (katashiro) by rubbing paper dolls on their bodies. They then threw the paper dolls into a river...In the late 1700's people started to make dolls out of clay. Many young girls began to collect them and mothers saved the collections to be displayed on the day of ritual that has come to be known as the Hina Matsuri. Over time the designs of the dolls have evolved. The dolls of today are exquisite and costly works of art, usually dressed with real kimonos. Girls receive a set from their parents or grandparents at birth or on their first birthday, and these become a part of the bridal trousseau. The set is usually comprised of an emperor, his wife and their attendants. The dolls are displayed on a five or seven-tiered shelf (hina-dan), with the emperor and empress (dairi-sama), dressed in ancient court costumes, occupying the place of honor on the top tier. In attendance on lower shelves are ministers and other dignitaries, court ladies and musicians. Miniature lacquered dinner sets, tea ceremony utensils, musical instruments, palanquins and other trappings of royalty are also displayed. The dolls are exhibited for a few days up until March 3rd and are then put away. It is believed that to leave them out after that date would bring bad luck to the girls...In Japan, the boys have a similar celebration on May 5th. The boy's display may include gods, warriors, armor, a white horse and other animals, all meant to represent valiance and character that the boy will need to achieve manhood. The armor is for the boy?s protection, and the other trappings of a warrior are to bring him strength. Each doll has a specific name, purpose and social status. Some of these
  • Hina Matsuri is a Japanese doll festival, also known as Momo-no-Sekku the "Peach Festival." It is held every year on March 3rd and is a time during which people pray for the well being of young girls. The festival has its origins in a Chinese exorcism ritual in which people transferred evil spirits to doll surrogates (katashiro) by rubbing paper dolls on their bodies. They then threw the paper dolls into a river...In the late 1700's people started to make dolls out of clay. Many young girls began to collect them and mothers saved the collections to be displayed on the day of ritual that has come to be known as the Hina Matsuri. Over time the designs of the dolls have evolved. The dolls of today are exquisite and costly works of art, usually dressed with real kimonos. Girls receive a set from their parents or grandparents at birth or on their first birthday, and these become a part of the bridal trousseau. The set is usually comprised of an emperor, his wife and their attendants. The dolls are displayed on a five or seven-tiered shelf (hina-dan), with the emperor and empress (dairi-sama), dressed in ancient court costumes, occupying the place of honor on the top tier. In attendance on lower shelves are ministers and other dignitaries, court ladies and musicians. Miniature lacquered dinner sets, tea ceremony utensils, musical instruments, palanquins and other trappings of royalty are also displayed. The dolls are exhibited for a few days up until March 3rd and are then put away. It is believed that to leave them out after that date would bring bad luck to the girls...In Japan, the boys have a similar celebration on May 5th. The boy's display may include gods, warriors, armor, a white horse and other animals, all meant to represent valiance and character that the boy will need to achieve manhood. The armor is for the boy?s protection, and the other trappings of a warrior are to bring him strength. Each doll has a specific name, purpose and social status. Some of these
  • Hina Matsuri is a Japanese doll festival, also known as Momo-no-Sekku the "Peach Festival." It is held every year on March 3rd and is a time during which people pray for the well being of young girls. The festival has its origins in a Chinese exorcism ritual in which people transferred evil spirits to doll surrogates (katashiro) by rubbing paper dolls on their bodies. They then threw the paper dolls into a river...In the late 1700's people started to make dolls out of clay. Many young girls began to collect them and mothers saved the collections to be displayed on the day of ritual that has come to be known as the Hina Matsuri. Over time the designs of the dolls have evolved. The dolls of today are exquisite and costly works of art, usually dressed with real kimonos. Girls receive a set from their parents or grandparents at birth or on their first birthday, and these become a part of the bridal trousseau. The set is usually comprised of an emperor, his wife and their attendants. The dolls are displayed on a five or seven-tiered shelf (hina-dan), with the emperor and empress (dairi-sama), dressed in ancient court costumes, occupying the place of honor on the top tier. In attendance on lower shelves are ministers and other dignitaries, court ladies and musicians. Miniature lacquered dinner sets, tea ceremony utensils, musical instruments, palanquins and other trappings of royalty are also displayed. The dolls are exhibited for a few days up until March 3rd and are then put away. It is believed that to leave them out after that date would bring bad luck to the girls...In Japan, the boys have a similar celebration on May 5th. The boy's display may include gods, warriors, armor, a white horse and other animals, all meant to represent valiance and character that the boy will need to achieve manhood. The armor is for the boy?s protection, and the other trappings of a warrior are to bring him strength. Each doll has a specific name, purpose and social status. Some of these
  • Hina Matsuri is a Japanese doll festival, also known as Momo-no-Sekku the "Peach Festival." It is held every year on March 3rd and is a time during which people pray for the well being of young girls. The festival has its origins in a Chinese exorcism ritual in which people transferred evil spirits to doll surrogates (katashiro) by rubbing paper dolls on their bodies. They then threw the paper dolls into a river...In the late 1700's people started to make dolls out of clay. Many young girls began to collect them and mothers saved the collections to be displayed on the day of ritual that has come to be known as the Hina Matsuri. Over time the designs of the dolls have evolved. The dolls of today are exquisite and costly works of art, usually dressed with real kimonos. Girls receive a set from their parents or grandparents at birth or on their first birthday, and these become a part of the bridal trousseau. The set is usually comprised of an emperor, his wife and their attendants. The dolls are displayed on a five or seven-tiered shelf (hina-dan), with the emperor and empress (dairi-sama), dressed in ancient court costumes, occupying the place of honor on the top tier. In attendance on lower shelves are ministers and other dignitaries, court ladies and musicians. Miniature lacquered dinner sets, tea ceremony utensils, musical instruments, palanquins and other trappings of royalty are also displayed. The dolls are exhibited for a few days up until March 3rd and are then put away. It is believed that to leave them out after that date would bring bad luck to the girls...In Japan, the boys have a similar celebration on May 5th. The boy's display may include gods, warriors, armor, a white horse and other animals, all meant to represent valiance and character that the boy will need to achieve manhood. The armor is for the boy?s protection, and the other trappings of a warrior are to bring him strength. Each doll has a specific name, purpose and social status. Some of these
  • Kyoto's 400-year-old Nishiki market is only 400 meters long and just a little over two meters wide but it hosts about 135 stores that sell everything from fish, local vegetables and seaweed to tea, sweets, tofu, and tempura..These traditional products and the local friendliness have attracted tourists for decades. .Kyoto, Honshu, Japan.
  • Mochi making is a tradition that brings family together before Oshogatsu (the New Year). Here eighteen-month old Kazuki learns how to pound the rice from his grand-father. He is very focused on the action and intrigued by the sticky paste clinging to the tip of the wood "hammer." .The wood is dipped in water, and the rice needs to be pounded quickly for it not to stick.
  • Mochi making is a tradition that brings family together before Oshogatsu (the New Year). .After the cooked mochi rice is pounded into smooth dough, small balls are rolled by hand and coated in rice flour. The high gluten content makes the dough very sticky and flour allows people to handle and shape the Mochi balls.
  • When the Mochi is perfectly round, it is ready. It can be cooked one more time over the fire, boiled in soup, filled with sweet bean paste or dried for later consumption.
  • Mochi making is a tradition still practiced in the country-side. All locals say that hand-made Mochi tastes much better. It is an important New Year's tradition for many families. People chat while rolling the dumplings and take breaks to drink green tea or beer.
  • In this era Kimonos are worn only on special occasions. Their prices vary with the quality of the fabric and the complexity of pattern, design and embroidery. These two are custom-designed furisode style kimonos and cost $15.000 a piece. Traditionally they are only worn by young unmarried women but today married women may continue to wear these pieces of art when they want to look "young and beautiful." It is customary after marriage to switch to a single-color tomesode kimono, and pass the other to a daughter.
  • Japan is a country where seemingly incongruous traditional culture and modern business ethic often mix. It is not uncommon to see a business woman in a beautiful kimono talking on a cellular phone. Judging from this woman's expression, something is wrong! The young girl seems unconcerned and focuses on her makeup.
  • Kimonos are worn with wide belts called Obi. The Obi holds the overlapping kimono in place, and keeps the front closed. The Obi has as much importance as the kimono itself. Tying the Obi into a knot and a perfect bow in the rear is a difficult art to master. Women usually seek the services of a professional. .There are two main types of Obis, a formal and a casual. The formal Obi is usually 4 meters long and 60 centimeters wide. It is folded in half lengthwise, wrapped twice around the waist and then tied in the back. Formal Obi belts are made of a silk brocade or woven tapestry. Woven or embroidered designs in gold or silver are also common. The more complex designs are considered more formal..The casual Obi is often narrower and made of cheaper fabric such as satin, twill, cotton, nylon or wool. It does not have the elaborate silk brocade embroidered patterns found on formal belts.
  • In front of a Shinto shrine is a large bell. After donating a few coins for good luck, people ring the bell (large rope), clap their hands and prey. .The long sleeves and elaborate colors and patterns of this girl's kimono is characteristic of the furisode style kimono, traditionally worn by unmarried women.
  • The Japanese kimono may be beautiful but it is not practical. The tightly wrapped folds of fabric greatly restrict the women's movement. They can only take small steps while wearing a kimono...Here a young girl has difficulty stepping over a board at the entrance of the shrine. It requires great balance. This Furisode style kimono is distinguishable by its elaborate colors, patterns and long sleeves. The girl holds the sleeves high so they will clear the board.
  • Japanese people often wear kimonos with colors that reflect the seasons, their age, or their marital status. There are thousands of designs that vary from a single color to vivid multi-patterned kimonos with gold or silver embroidery. The color worn by Yumi on the right would not suit the young teenage girl on the left. Age is an important factor in the selection of a kimono...These Furisode style kimono are distinguishable by their long beautiful sleeves and elaborate colors and patterns. Furisode style kimonos are traditionally only worn by unmarried women. Today expensive kimonos, such as the ones pictured here, may cost $15,000 each.
  • The Japanese kimono may be beautiful but it is not practical. The tight wrapping restricts women's movements. Women in kimonos can only take small steps. Kimonos are worn with two types of sandals. The geta sandals have a raised heel. The zori sandals seen in these pictures, have a flat bottom. Tabi socks worn by these women have a split between the large toe to accommodate the thong from the sandal. .These furisode kimono are usually worn by young unmarried women. The kimonos may not fit well on young girls. Eleven year old Akari pictured here on the left is having trouble walking. She is not accustomed to having her legs restricted to narrow steps. She also has problems keeping her long sleeves off the ground. Yumi has more experience and walks with elegant control of all her movements, demonstrating proper poise to her protege.
  • Inside the grounds of many Japanese Shinto temples or shrines, there is a small water source, usually under an ornately carved awning. People purify themselves by washing their hands with a hishaku wooden ladle . This practice is called okiyome. Okiyome is also used in various religious or healing rituals. .Today many young people do not practice devout Shintoism. Most visit temples to enjoy the beautiful gardens and for photo opportunities on special occasions.
  • Inside the grounds of many Japanese Shinto temples or shrines, there is a small water source, usually under an ornately carved awning. People purify themselves by washing their hands with a hishaku wooden ladle . This practice is called okiyome. Okiyome is also used in various religious or healing rituals. .Today many young people do not practice devout Shintoism. Most visit temples to enjoy the beautiful gardens and for photo opportunities on special occasions.
  • Jinja (shrines) are a perfect backdrop for Japanese women wearing kimonos. Not all Japanese practice the Shinto religion, but all value the beauty of their temples. The sight of women wearing kimonos in an urban setting may seem incongruous but they are a propos amidst the sculpted gardens and tiled roof shrine. Women in traditional kimonos often go to shrines for no other reason than to have their photos taken...Furisode kimonos on this picture are distinguishable by their long sleeves and elaborate colors and patterns. They are traditionally only worn by unmarried women. In the past young women declared their love for a man by fluttering the long, wide sleeves of their furisode kimono.
  • Kanzashi are hair ornaments, used to create traditional hairstyles. Kanzashi came into wide use during the Edo period. During that era artisans created more decorative, elegant and expensive ornaments that mimicked the same trend in kimono design. Today they are often crafted of hard wood and decorated with gold paint. Finely crafted kanzashi are often handed down from mother to daughter as heirlooms..Yumi here on the right is having problems with her hairstyle and painfully tries to adjust her various kanzashi. Eleven year old Akari wears her hair short. She needs not worry about the complicated positioning of the traditional hairstyle.
  • Kimonos are worn with wide belts called Obi. The Obi holds the overlapping kimono in place, and keeps the front closed. The Obi has as much importance as the kimono itself. Tying the Obi into a knot and a perfect bow in the rear is a difficult art to master. Women usually seek the services of a professional. .There are two main types of Obis, a formal and a casual. The formal Obi is usually 4 meters long and 60 centimeters wide. It is folded in half lengthwise, wrapped twice around the waist and then tied in the back. Formal Obi belts are made of a silk brocade or woven tapestry. Woven or embroidered designs in gold or silver are also common. The more complex designs are considered more formal..The casual Obi is often narrower and made of cheaper fabric such as satin, twill, cotton, nylon or wool. It does not have the elaborate silk brocade embroidered patterns found on formal belts.
  • This eleven-year old girl wears a Furisode kimono usually worn by young unmarried women. Often these kimonos do not fit young girls well. With no hips the Obi-belt slides awkwardly down the torso. .Here Akari, feeling out of her element, shows us that wearing a kimono is just an occasion to take funny pictures. Years later when she turns 20, she will have had much more practice and will wear the kimono with elegance and grace. In the meantime she likes to joke around.