Arab News Japan
TOKYO: Every March 3, Japan celebrates Hinamatsuri, or Girls’ Day, filling homes, and shops across the country with a festive spirit that honors young girls and welcomes the changing season.
Supermarkets and convenience stores brim with hina-arare, tiny rice crackers in cheerful packages, alongside pink confections, and a tempting array of seasonal delights.
In bustling districts like Ginza, eager visitors line up for Hinamatsuri-exclusive sweets, a sign that the festival’s charm now captivates both tourists and local families.
Flower shops join the festivities, filling their windows with delicate pink arrangements. Known as the Peach Festival, Hinamatsuri celebrates the gentle beauty of peach blossoms in full bloom.
Families with daughters proudly display hina dolls, elegant figures that represent the imperial court and embody heartfelt wishes for their girls’ happiness and well-being.
Some families treasure hina dolls passed down through generations, while others mark a girl’s birth with a brand-new set. Every March 3, these cherished dolls take center stage in the celebration.
Japan also observes a similar holiday for boys. On May 5, Children’s Day features carp streamers and samurai dolls, as families wish for their sons’ health and success.
Hinamatsuri weaves together age-old customs with the energy of modern marketing and tourism, transforming not just homes but entire shopping districts into festive showcases.
