The first International Children's Day Celebration ended successfully with more than 60 families attending over two days.

One of the most important ceremonies for Japanese children, Shichigosan is performed for three and seven year old girls and three and five year old boys.

This ISF-sponsored event was the first of its kind in a city on the US East Coast, introducing the Japanese tradition of Shichigosan to people of the New York and New Jersey area.
On November 18 and 19, 2000 about 60 children and their families attended the ceremony at the Church Center for the United Nations.

At the Chapel, a traditional Shinto altar was set up with offerings from the land, sea and mountain.


The children, many dressed in kimono, were accompanied by their mothers to receive blessings from Kami-sama for their healthy growth and bright future.


With the musical accompaniment of classical Japanese instruments by the Tenri Gagaku Music Society of New York, priestess Rev.Setsuko Umeda, assisted by shrine-maidens (miko) Ms. Reina Hayashibara and Ms. Hiromi Saruta, conducted the thirty-minute ceremony according to traditional rites.




(Bell Blessing)

Prior to the ceremony, ISF staff and volunteers assisted children and their mothers to put on Kimono.








Some children cried and disliked to put on kimono, however, when given Chitose-ame (candy) at the ceremony, their faces turned into beautiful smiles.
The announcement of the event brought a great response predominantly from local Japanese parents who wished their children to receive Shichigosan, but had no opportunity in the US.
All 30 seats were filled long before the application deadline. ISF is hoping to continue this event in following years.
After the ceremony, participants were conducted across the street to the new United Nations Peace Bell Garden, a recent gift of Japan to the UN, to pose for photographs.

We would like to express our great appreciation to all the supporting organizations as well as Tenri Gagaku Music Society of New York, Kimono Cultural Society, Asahi International, Co. Ltd. and volunteers from Worldmate NY Center, and other volunteers.

Participants' offerings of $775.92 collected at the ceremony were donated to UNICEF for the use of needy children of the world.

Everybody prayed together at this Shinto altar for the better and happier lives of the children the world over.
Those who want to join next year, Please contact: ISF New York Center