— The Strange Aunt Theory —

Shichi-Go-San is a special day.
But for a three-year-old, what does it really feel like?

A place they don’t know.
Clothes they’ve never worn.
Surrounded by unfamiliar adults.

Of course they’re nervous.

And yet, at the scene, adults often say things like:
“Smile for the camera!”
“Big smile!”

…Honestly,
how is a three-year-old supposed to smile on command?

For a child, Shichi-Go-San shouldn’t be something they have to push through.
I want it to be an experience where they feel safe and at ease.

So I become a slightly strange adult

At Shichi-Go-San shoots,
I often become a slightly strange aunt.

A bright yellow hat.
Ears that pop up when you squeeze them.
Completely serious — and completely playful.

It might look like I’m just being silly.
But this isn’t a joke.

“Strange” doesn’t mean careless

This part matters.

I don’t do this to make children laugh.
I do it to help them feel safe.

If, for just a moment, a child thinks:
“I’m not scared.”
“I’m okay.”
“This person feels safe.”

That’s enough.

With that small sense of safety,
traditional Japanese hair,
kimono dressing,
everything can happen naturally.

This is what I mean by heartfelt care.

What actually happened

That day,
the three-year-old girl was frozen at first.

But before long,
she was touching the ears on the hat and smiling.
By the end, I was spinning her around in my arms.

The yellow hat was still sitting on her back.

It didn’t have to be perfect.
But it was fun — and that memory stayed.

The Strange Aunt Theory

I call this the Strange Aunt Theory.

Sometimes, children need someone who is:
not their parent,
not their teacher,
a little strange,
but completely safe.

That’s the role I take on during Shichi-Go-San.

And then, I return to being a professional

Playfulness is just the entrance.
The goal is a memory that lasts a lifetime.

Traditional Japanese hair.
Kimono.
Posture.
Photographs.

Capturing a child’s natural expression —
as they are.

Shichi-Go-San shouldn’t be
a “try-hard photoshoot,”
but a joyful experience.

That’s how I see it.

🎥 You can watch a short video from the Shichi-Go-San photoshoot here. YouTube Shorts

If this story touched your heart and you’re interested in kimono or traditional Japanese Shichi-Go-San blessing, I would be happy to support you.

Shichi-Go-San Kimono Rentals & Photoshoot Support　

Instagram: @kachoukimono
Website: https://kachou-kimono.com/

Japanese or English—either is perfectly welcome.

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