Shichi-Go-San (七五三) is one of those milestones in Japan that feels timeless. At ages three, five, and seven, children are dressed in kimono, families visit shrines or temples, and the day becomes a cherished marker of growth and gratitude. I never imagined I would experience it here in Düsseldorf, yet once again our community came together to celebrate far from Japan.

This year, my role was not to dress children in kimono but to document the day through photography. Standing behind the lens gave me a different perspective: I saw the quiet teamwork of the kitsuke staff, adjusting collars again and again in the summer heat; the flashes of excitement when a child caught sight of themselves in kimono; and the way families leaned into the occasion with joy, even when sleeves slipped or hair ornaments refused to stay in place.

I also contributed in another, smaller way. Last year I made dorayaki as omiyage; this year I prepared handmade manjū for the families. It was a simple gesture, but when I handed them out and saw children’s hands reach for the little packages, it felt like I could give something tangible back to the moment I was otherwise only recording.

What stayed with me most, though, were the voices of the families afterwards.

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Tさんより
皆様のおかげでとても温かい753のお祝いをする事が出来ました。着付けもさながら、子供の目線で取り持って頂いた法要、そして手作りのお菓子のお土産まで頂いて皆様に感謝の気持ちでいっぱいです。
Thanks to everyone, we were able to have such a warm Shichi-Go-San celebration. From the children-centered ceremony to the handmade sweets as omiyage, we are filled with gratitude.

Nさんより
日曜日は、とても素敵な1日をありがとうございました。おかげさまで家族みんなで着物を着ることが出来、一生の思い出になりました。ムスコが一筋縄ではいかない中、何度もお直しして頂き、着付けをしてくださった方々には感謝しかありません。おそらく日本で私達家族が同じことを行うのは不可能だったのではないか？とさえ思いました。
Thank you for such a wonderful day. Our whole family was able to wear kimono and it became a lifelong memory. Even though our son was restless, the staff patiently adjusted his kimono again and again. We could not have imagined experiencing this in Japan—it was truly special.

Sさんより
ご丁寧にメッセージありがとう御座います。日曜日は大変お世話になりました。皆様のおかげでとても良い思い出となりました。お土産のマカロンとても美味しかったです。最後の最後まできめ細やかなお心遣いが嬉しかったです。
Thank you for your kind message. Thanks to everyone, we have such a good memory of that day. The macarons as omiyage were delicious, and we felt cared for right to the very end.

Sさんより
予想外の暑い日となりましたが、多くのご家族が喜んでお帰りくださったことなによりでした。お着物を着て写真を撮ることができたこと、家族全員とても喜んでおり、特に娘は「またお着物を着たい」と大興奮でした。
Although it was unexpectedly hot, we were so happy to see many families leave with joy. Our whole family was delighted to wear kimono and take photos—our daughter especially was thrilled and kept saying, “I want to wear kimono again!”

Reading these words reminded me that events like this are not just about formality or appearance, but about connection. For many of these families, celebrating Shichi-Go-San outside of Japan may not have been possible without the effort of this community. And even though my part was only to observe and to offer small sweets, I felt the depth of what kimono can bring into people’s lives: memory, joy, and a sense of belonging.

I left the day with a full memory card, tired feet, and a heart warmed by the sight of children running around in kimono in a temple garden in Düsseldorf. Traditions may travel across borders, but their essence remains the same—moments of beauty, held close by the people who live them.