On April 13, a special procession for dogs took place at Daruma-ji Temple in Oji, Nara Prefecture. The event was held to celebrate the 11th anniversary of Yukimaru, the town's beloved dog mascot character.
Dubbed "Wanwan Chigo Gyoretsu," where "wanwan" is the sound of dogs barking, the event drew inspiration from the traditional Japanese "Chigo Gyoretsu" (children's procession).
In Chigo Gyoretsu, children in colorful costumes and makeup parade through the streets while receiving blessings for their health and growth.
However, this time, the procession was exclusively for dogs. The idea for this event came about when Minako Uemura, a kimono dresser in Oji who designs costumes for Yukimaru, shared her idea with fellow dog lovers on social media.
The procession unfolded as part of the temple's Darumae Shiki festival. It attracted 12 dogs from 7 families across Japan, all decked out in elegant traditional Japanese attire. The dogs strolled around the temple grounds alongside their proud owners. Visitors were delighted to capture snapshots of these charming canines.
Among the participants was Akira Tajima, an agricultural worker from Toyohashi, Aichi Prefecture. He joined the event with his two Toy Poodles and two Border Collies. Reflecting on the experience, he expressed, "I am very pleased to have been able to participate with my dogs in this traditional event. It has become a special memory."
Shukei Hino, the head priest of Daruma-ji Temple, also shared his thoughts. He stated, "Many people visit the temple for Shichi-Go-San with their dogs. This was our inaugural attempt [at a dog procession], and we aspire to continue this tradition in the future."
Shichi-Go-San is an age-old Japanese festival for three- and seven-year-old girls and five-year-old boys. It is observed annually on November 15.
奈良県王寺町の達磨寺で4月13日、町の犬のマスコットキャラクター「雪丸」が誕生して11年(ワンワン)たったことにちなみ、犬たちが境内を練り歩く「わんわん稚児行列」が初開催された。
雪丸の衣装デザインを手掛ける王寺町在住の着付け師、上村美奈子さん(46)が、交流サイト(SNS)を通じて知り合った愛犬家仲間に声をかけたことで実現した。
寺の伝統行事「達磨会式」の一環として行われ、全国から駆けつけた7家族の12匹が和装姿で飼い主とともに境内を歩いた。訪れた人たちは、愛くるしい犬たちをスマートフォンで撮影したりして楽しんだ。
トイプードル2匹、ボーダーコリー2匹とともに夫婦で参加した愛知県豊橋市の農業、田嶋明さん(56)は「伝統的な行事に犬とともに参加できたことがとてもうれしい。いい記念になった」と笑顔。日野周圭住職(76)は「犬の七五三詣でに寺を訪れる人は多い。初めての試みだが、今後も続けていきたい」と話している。