The Japan Society

7-5-3 (November)

Subject: Other Topics
Level: Key Stage 1 / Key Stage 2
Age: 5-7 years / 7-11 years
Resource Type: Activities / Presentations / Lesson Plans / Worksheets



The 7-5-3 Festival (
Shichi-Go-San 七五三) is an annual celebration held on November 15. The ages of 3, 5, and 7 were important milestones for Japanese children in the past and families with daughters aged 3 and 7 and sons aged 3 and 5, will try to visit a shrine to pray for the future health and happiness of their children on this date or the nearest weekend.

Learning Objectives

  • To learn about the customs, foods and beliefs associated with the 7-5-3 festival in Japan.
  • To reflect on important milestones and how these are celebrated in a different culture.

Learning Outcomes

  • Students will be familiar with Japanese traditional clothing worn during the celebrations.
  • Students will learn the symbolism of the crane and turtle in Japanese culture by making and decorating their own chitose ame (‘thousand year sweets’) bag. 

Resources

Additional Resources

 Note: This is a new resource and some sections may be revised or updated.