Best memories for your newborn baby
Annual event calendar for families with newborns
A lovingly prepared guide
"I want to give the best to my newborn baby."
To you who is full of love.
During pregnancy and for one year after giving birth,
There are many wonderful events to celebrate your baby's growth.
But when, what and how should you prepare?
・The shrine visit will be one month after birth, but I'm still worried about my baby's health...
・What do you do for the 100th day celebration?
-When and who buys Hina dolls for the first festival?
What should I do if my baby is born prematurely?
To address the concerns and doubts of new mothers,
Supervised by a midwife with 30 years of experience caring for over 3,000 babies.
I will answer your questions wholeheartedly.
This guide is more than just a prep list.
"How to express your love for your baby"
We provide detailed information by age and season.
Actual data: 37.5% of families hold shrine visits and 100-day celebrations at the same time
Realistic budget: Celebrate with an average budget of 120,000 to 140,000 yen
Modern common sense: Be flexible about who buys Hina dolls
Along with this new discovery of "I see! So that's the reason,"
Have a great year for you and your baby
Let's get ready.
What do you want to do for your newborn baby?
Preparing for love during pregnancy
Overview of annual events and mental preparation | A one-year roadmap for showing your love for your baby
"What should I do for my baby after he's born?"
For those of you who have such happy worries.
In fact, during the first year after a baby is born,
There are so many wonderful opportunities to express your love .
[Calendar of loving events during the first year of life]
✨7 days after birth : Naming ceremony
→ "This child's name is ____" Introducing to the family
✨One month old : Shrine visit
→ Report to God that the baby was born safely
✨100 days after birth : 100-day celebration (Okuizome)
→ "May you never have to worry about food for the rest of your life" - a wish for growth
✨First time since birth : First Festival
→ "May you grow up healthy and beautiful" - The first big celebration in your life
✨1 year old : First birthday
→ "Thank you for the past year" Gratitude and hope for the future
But here's an important discovery.
Why are there so many baby events in Japan?
This is because medical technology was not well developed in Japan in the past.
It was never a given that a baby would grow up safely .
That's why, at 7 days old, 1 month old, 100 days old...
"Thank you for growing up so healthy."
We have been celebrating with gratitude.
Nowadays, with the development of medical technology,
The chances of your baby growing up healthy have increased dramatically.
However, the feelings of parents hoping for and feeling happy about their children's growth have not changed from the past to the present.
In other words, annual events are "a beautiful Japanese culture that gives form to love."
"Is breastfeeding and diaper changes the only thing you can do for your baby?"
You may feel that way sometimes.
But that's not the case.
Through annual events, we will express your love.
Create happy memories with your baby and the whole family.
This is the best gift you can give to a newborn baby .
One month after birth "Omiya-mairi"
Make your baby's social debut a memorable one
37.5% of households choose to hold the event at the same time as the 100th day celebration.
Why it's a wise choice
"My baby is only one month old and we're going to the shrine... I'm still a little worried about going out, is that okay?"
There are actually a lot of moms who have these concerns.
So here's a surprising fact.
According to an actual survey, 37.5% of households
The shrine visit is held at the same time as the 100th day celebration (around 100 days after birth).
"Huh? Is that a lot?"
Yes, this is the new normal today.
[I see! Why simultaneous events are so popular]
💡Mom 's health recovery
One month after giving birth: Still feeling tired after giving birth
100 days after birth: Your baby's health is stable and he or she is used to going outside.
💡Baby's physical strength
1 month old: Feeding intervals are short and baby is fussy
100 days after birth: Feeding intervals become longer, and the baby is in a good mood for a long time.
💡Reducing the burden on families
If held simultaneously: 1 preparation, 1 cost, 1 family gathering
Separate: everything is twice as hard
💡The beauty of commemorative photos
1 month old: Eyes not yet fully open
100 days old: Baby starts smiling and looks great in photos
"But I heard that traditionally it's one month old..."
That's certainly true.
But here's an important tip to keep in mind.
The true meaning of the event is not "formality" but "love."
In the past, the timing of one month after birth was
Because it was the time when the taboo period in the birthing room was about to end .
Nowadays, the environment for childbirth and hospitalization is completely different.
That's why we prioritize the health of the baby and mother.
Choosing the best time for your family
It's the most important thing.
In fact, mothers who chose to hold simultaneous events have said
We have received such joyful comments.
"At 100 days old, the baby was smiling brightly,
We were able to take some very nice photos!
I saw that smile of my grandparents
I'll never forget the happy look on his face."
"Breastfeeding was difficult at one month,
I was able to celebrate the 100th day slowly,
The whole family had a great time."
In other words, what's important is not "when" you do it, but "how you feel about it."
The best time for you and your baby
I hope you have a shrine visit filled with love.
100th day after birth "Hyakujitsu celebration (Okuizome)"
With the hope of never having to worry about food for the rest of your life
"I see!" Why is it popular to hold the same ceremony as the shrine visit?
Successful planning
"What do you do at Okuizome?"
"But he hasn't even started solid food yet...?"
There are a lot of moms who have this question.
But when you learn the true meaning of Okuizome,
"I see! So that's why it's so important."
You will surely be impressed.
[The deep meaning of love in the Okuizome ceremony]
🍚 "May you never go hungry for the rest of your life."
→ The most basic and earnest wish that parents have for their children
🦷 "Tooth-hardening Ritual"
→ "May your teeth grow as strong as stone"
👴 "I'll feed it to someone who lives a long life."
→ "May this person live a long life."
Here is a moving discovery.
This ritual has been continued since the Heian period.
In fact, the purpose is not for the baby to actually eat it.
The important thing is to celebrate the baby's growth with the whole family.
To express wishes for the future.
In other words, it is a "ritual of sharing love."
[The magical effect of holding a shrine visit at the same time]
Now, let's go back to the 37.5% simultaneous events mentioned earlier.
Why do so many families choose to hold their events simultaneously?
Hear from moms who have actually experienced it.
"We had a shrine visit in the morning,
We had our first meal at noon.
At first, I was worried about whether one day would be enough, but
The baby is in a good mood,
The whole family had a wonderful time.
Above all, the parents of both families who came from far away
I can see my grandchildren growing up all at once,
I was glad that they were so pleased."
[How to organize a successful simultaneous event]
💫 10:00-11:00 : Photo shoot
→ In the morning when your baby is in a good mood
💫 11:00-12:00 : Shrine visit
→ After breastfeeding, head to the shrine
💫 12:30-14:30 : First meal and dinner party
→ Enjoy a family meal at a restaurant with private rooms
"But won't the baby get tired?"
it's okay.
Babies around 100 days old have more physical strength than when they were 1 month old,
The interval between feedings will be 3-4 hours ,
It's actually a good time for the event.
What's most important is,
"The whole family rejoices in the baby's growth."
At the shrine visit, we express our gratitude for the safe birth of our baby.
The first meal is celebrated with the hope that the child will grow up healthy and strong.
By combining these two,
Your love for your baby will be expressed in a deeper and richer way .
And from this point on, I started to think a little bit,
An even more special event is called "Hatsu-Sekku."
Especially for girls,
"I want to prepare a beautiful Hina doll for my daughter."
This is also the time when this feeling naturally begins to emerge.
Regarding such loving preparations,
I'll tell you more about it later.
[First half of Q&A] When is the first festival for children born early in the year?
Health is the top priority
Those born between January and March are worried
The solution to the "This year or next year?" problem
Q: My daughter was born in February and her first festival will be on March 3rd, when she will be one month old.
I'm still worried about going out, what should I do?
A: This is a very common question.
First of all, don't worry.
The first festival "must be celebrated in that year"
There is no rule that says this.
Let's look at the actual statistics.
[Actual data on the first festival for those born early in the year]
📊If your baby is less than 2 months old and celebrating his/her first festival:
・Celebration that year: Approximately 80%
・Celebrate the following year: Approximately 20%
📊Reasons for choosing the following year (multiple answers allowed):
・Prioritizing mom's recovery: 85%
・Worried about taking your baby out: 78%
・Not enough preparation time: 65%
・Want to celebrate slowly with family: 72%
In other words, the reality is that many families choose the following year .
[I see! The benefits of doing it the following year]
💕Your baby's facial expressions will be more expressive
2 months old: still a blank expression
1 year and 2 months old: Full of smiles and very adorable
💕Mom's peace of mind
Two months after giving birth: days are still hectic
One year after giving birth: Getting used to childcare and feeling at ease
💕The fulfillment of the celebration
2 months old: Minimal celebrations
1 year and 2 months old: A special celebration with careful preparations
💕The beauty of commemorative photos
2 months old: Baby can't hold its head up yet
1 year and 2 months old: Able to sit up and can be photographed with the Hina dolls
Here's what moms who actually chose the following year had to say...
"At first, I was worried, 'Is it okay if we don't do it this year?'
The following year's first festival was a truly wonderful memory.
My daughter is looking at the Hina dolls and trying to reach out to touch them.
Smiling and trying to eat the sushi...
"Oh, I'm glad I did it at this time."
I truly felt that way."
[Criteria: Love Checklist]
Answer the following questions to see how you feel.
✅ Is your mother feeling well enough?
Are you used to going out with your baby?
✅ Are you ready to celebrate with peace of mind?
✅ Are you able to relax and enjoy your time with your family?
✅ Do you want to capture your baby's smile in a commemorative photo?
If you answer "no" to three or more questions, we recommend the following year .
What's important is not "when" to do it, but "how you feel about it."
To celebrate with love,
It's all about choosing the best time
It's the best gift for a baby .
Girl's first Hinamatsuri: "Give my daughter the best Hina doll"
The moment love takes shape
Why November is the ideal month to buy and how to solve the "who will buy" problem
"I want to prepare a beautiful Hina doll for my daughter's first Hinamatsuri..."
To the mother who is beginning to feel such loving feelings.
Hina dolls are not just decorations.
It is a symbol of a mother's love for her daughter and her wish for her happiness .
[The deep meaning of love contained in Hina dolls]
🌸 Substitute Amulet
→ He will take on the misfortune that befalls his daughter instead.
🌸 Wishing for beautiful growth
→ "May you grow up to be a beautiful, kind, and intelligent woman."
🌸Prayer for a happy marriage
→ Like the Emperor and Empress, I hope you will find a good partner.
🌸A lifelong guardian
→ Even when my daughter becomes an adult, she will continue to watch over me.
That's why "what kind of Hina doll to choose" is a big decision.
It's about what kind of love you put into it .
[I see! Why November is the ideal month to buy]
When should I buy a Hina doll?
In fact, purchasing between November and December is the wisest choice .
💝The widest selection
→ November: New releases and maximum selection
→ February: Popular items sold out, limited options
💝 Time to choose carefully
→ November: Allow three months for careful consideration
→ February: Tends to be a compromise choice for now
💝Careful work by artisans
→ November: High-quality work created over time
→ February: Quality varies due to last-minute demand
💝Early bird discount
→ November: Same quality at a great price with early purchase discount
→ February: Regular price sales are the norm
In other words, by purchasing in November,
I can provide my daughter with a better Hina doll .
[A peaceful solution to the modern "who will buy" problem]
Who buys Hina dolls?
This question is asked really often.
Traditionally: Purchased by the maternal family (old custom)
Current situation: Flexible decision-making for each household (common sense today)
[Actual purchaser data]
Maternal grandparents: Approximately 45%
📊Paternal grandparents: Approximately 25%
📊 Share between both families: Approximately 20%
📊Parents themselves: Approximately 10%
In other words, the reality is that there are no absolute rules that say things have to be this way .
[Three patterns for amicable resolution]
🌈Pattern 1: Sharing affection
→ Hina dolls: maternal grandparents
→ Celebration meal and commemorative photo: paternal grandparents
🌈Pattern 2: Budget sharing
→ Both families share half of the expenses
→ The choice is made by the daughter's parents (mainly the mother)
🌈Pattern 3: Love-first
→ Entrust it to the person who cares about your daughter the most
→ Emphasize feelings over results
From a mom who actually resolved the issue amicably...
"At first I was worried about what to do,
We discussed this with the hope that everyone would be happy for our daughter.
It naturally turned out to be a good thing.
As a result, the love between the two families was overwhelming.
It was a wonderful first festival.”
What's important is not "who" but "what kind of love."
A way to make the whole family smile
Make sure you get your daughter the best Hina doll.
Boy's first festival: "Wishing for my son's growth"
The thoughts behind the helmet
Three points to avoid regrets when choosing a May doll
"I want to prepare a beautiful helmet for my son's first festival..."
To such a loving mom and dad.
Boys' first festival, "Tango no Sekku"
It is a special day to "pray for my son's healthy growth and strong heart."
[The deep love of parents embodied in May dolls]
⚔️Armor that protects from disaster
→ Protects my son from life's difficulties
⚔️Wish to grow strong and robust
→ Healthy mind and body, and strong enough to withstand anything
⚔️Prayer for success in life
→ I want them to be active in society and grow into respectable adults.
⚔️The power to protect your family
→ In the future, you will develop the gentle strength to cherish your family.
In other words, May dolls are "a physical representation of the love and expectations for one's son."
[I see! The rules for choosing a May doll]
"What kind of May doll should I choose?"
Learn from an expert who has been helping thousands of families choose their May dolls for 30 years.
Here are three tips to help you avoid regrets .
🏆 Tip 1: Choose by face
You might be thinking, "What, a face?"
This is the most important point.
✨ A helmet with a gentle expression
→ I want my son to develop a kind heart.
✨ A helmet with a dignified expression
→ I want my son to have a strong will too
✨A helmet with an intelligent expression
→ I want my son to grow up to be smart.
"Looking at this face makes me excited for my son's future."
A helmet that gives you that feeling is the perfect item for your family.
🏆 Point 2: Decide on the size
Compact helmet (under 45cm)
→ Matches modern living environments and is easy to store
→ The feeling of "always being with my son"
💭Medium helmet (50-65cm)
→ A perfect balance between presence and practicality
→ "Special yet realistic"
💭Large helmet (70cm or more)
→ Overwhelming impact, family pride
→ "Expressing the high expectations I have for my son"
🏆 Point 3: Understand the meaning
🛡️ Helmet ornament
→ "Protect your head" = "Protect your wisdom and judgment"
→ Wishing you success in your studies and work
🏹Bow and sword decoration
→ "To ward off evil spirits" = "to protect from evil"
→ Wishing for a healthy and safe upbringing
🎏Carp streamers
→ "Succeed in life" = "the ability to overcome difficulties"
→ Wishing you great success in life
[Success stories of experienced parents]
"At first I thought, 'They all look the same,' but
As the shop staff explained the meaning to me,
"This helmet will protect my son,"
My intuition kicked in.
Now, every May,
Decorating the helmet with my son
It's an important time for the family.
My son also said, "My helmet is cool, isn't it?"
He began to speak proudly,
I'm truly glad that I made the right choice."
[Best timing to choose a May doll]
As with Hina dolls, March to early April is recommended.
🌸 March: A wide selection to choose from
🌸 Early April: Carefully consider and decide
🌸 Mid-April: Decorate well in advance
Wishing for your son's healthy growth,
Please put your feelings into creating a beautiful May doll.
Surely for your son,
It will be a treasured memory for a lifetime.
[Q&A Intermediate] Who buys Hina dolls?
A modern solution that brings harmony to both families
A realistic budget for the first festival and clever ways to share expenses while prioritizing love
Q: It seems like there will be a dispute between my family and mine over the budget for the Hina dolls. What should we do?
A: This is a very common question.
First, let me give you some real-world data.
[Shocking Fact! The Reality of Hina Doll Budgets]
📊 Actual First Festival Budget (Nationwide Survey)
💰 120,000-140,000 yen:
If you plan to display it until you turn 20, you can divide 130,000 yen by 20.
This works out to less than 10,000 yen per year.
[I see! The magic words that solve budget problems]
The budget meeting between the two families goes smoothly.
Here are some magic words that actually work.
🌸 "Let's all pray for our daughter (son)'s happiness"
→ Shift from competition to cooperation
🌸 "The feeling is more important than the amount."
→ A gentle brake on those looking for high prices
🌸 "Choose something that you can cherish and use for a long time."
→ Shift from price to value
🌸 "Something my kids can be proud of when they grow up"
→ Raise awareness of the essence rather than appearances
[Practice! Successful patterns for sharing affection]
Here are three successful cases where the matter was resolved amicably.
🌈 Case 1: Love Balance Type (budget 170,000 yen)
Maternal grandparents: Hina dolls (130,000 yen)
Paternal grandparents: celebratory meal and commemorative photo (20,000-50,000 yen)
Parents: Preparation and progress of the celebration
"By dividing up the roles, everyone felt like they were participating.
It has also helped to share financial burdens and, more importantly, strengthened the bonds between our family members."
🌈 Case 2: Budget sharing type (budget 120,000 yen)
Combined: Hina dolls cost (120,000 yen each)
Selection and purchase: Daughter's parents
On the day of the celebration: Held in cooperation with both families
"I asked both families if they could help me choose.
We all decided to go to the doll shop.
We have grown very attached to the Hina dolls that were chosen by the whole family."
🌈 Case 3: Feelings come first (budget: ¥50,000)
The person who cares about my daughter the most: Buying a Hina doll
Other family members: Grateful and fully supportive
Everyone: A celebration full of love
"If you focus on the feelings behind the choice rather than who is buying it,
It was a natural decision. It was a compact Hina doll for 50,000 yen,
I look forward to decorating it every year, and my daughter treasures it.
[The secret to maximizing love on a budget]
The appeal of compact Hina dolls
→ Perfect for modern living environments
→ Easy to decorate every year
→ Enjoy decorating with your children
💡Add handmade elements
→ Make origami flowers
→ Celebrate with homemade sweets
→ Make an album with family photos
💡 Experience matters
Cook a celebratory meal together
→ Take a commemorative photo wearing a kimono
→ Spending time with grandparents
What real moms say:
"At first, I was thinking, 'I want a beautiful Hina doll,'
In the end, it was a good decision to make a small and cute Hina doll.
Because it is a size that my daughter can decorate by herself,
It's fun to prepare together every year.
"This is my Hina doll!" I said happily to my daughter.
Without spending a lot of money,
I really feel that love is conveyed.”
What's important is not the price, but the love that has been put into the dolls .
A budget and style that will make the whole family smile.
I hope you have a wonderful first Doll Festival.
Is it okay to bring a baby to an event?
Practical techniques for newborns
Breastfeeding, diapers, and fussiness management | Baby-first planning
"I'm worried about taking my baby to an event..."
"What if I mess up along the way?"
To moms who have such concerns.
it's okay!
As long as you make arrangements to put the baby first,
It will be a wonderful event that will bring a smile to everyone's faces.
I see! How to make the most of your baby's "happy time"
First, let me share some key findings.
Did you know that babies have "times when they are in a good mood" ?
⏰Morning 9:00-11:00: Golden Time
→ They are in the best mood after a good night's sleep → Perfect for taking photos and shrine visits
⏰Lunch 12:00-14:00: Fill-up time
→ After breastfeeding, the baby will feel satisfied and doze off → Perfect for dinner parties and first meals
⏰Evening 15:00-17:00: Caution Time
→ They tend to get tired easily and become cranky → It is wise to avoid these times
In other words,
Just by being creative about when you do it, you can dramatically increase your success rate .
Practical! Complete guide to breastfeeding, diapers, and fussiness
A midwife who has looked after thousands of parent-child pairs for 30 years teaches
Here are some practical techniques that will definitely help you .
🍼Breastfeeding tips: 3 steps to peace of mind
Step 1: Timing calculation
→ Finish breastfeeding 30 minutes before the event starts → Allow 3-4 hours until the next feeding
Step 2: Secure a location
→ Check in advance where the nursing room is located → It's safe to go to a private restaurant or a relative's house
Step 3: Prepare your tools
→ A nursing cap is a must-have item → If you are breastfeeding, prepare hot water in a thermos
👶Diaper Preparedness: Be Prepared
✅ Diaper changing set
→ 5-6 diapers (double the usual amount)
→ Baby wipes, plastic bags, change of clothes
✅ Check the exchange location
→ Check out the shrine's baby room in advance → Prepare to change in the car
✅ Odor control
→ Bring deodorizing bags and disinfectant spray → Check hand-washing areas
😢How to deal with fussiness: Magical items
🎵The Magic of Sound
→ Transfer the music you normally listen to to your smartphone → Play it softly with earphones
🤱The Magic of Touch
→ Favorite towel or toy → Something that smells like mom
🚗The Magic of Movement
→ Swinging in a baby carrier → Last resort: Evacuate temporarily by car
Real-world success story: schedule chart
The perfect schedule for holding a shrine visit and first meal at the same time
9:00 am Start of travel (baby dozing off in the car)
9:30 Arrive at the photo studio and prepare for shooting
10:00-10:30 Commemorative photo shoot (baby golden time)
10:45 Move to the shrine
11:00-11:30 Shrine visit (completed in a short time)
11:45 Diaper change
12:00 Breastfeeding
12:30-14:30 First meal and dinner party (full and satisfied time)
14:30 Disband (end before getting tired)
Here's what moms who have had success with this schedule say:
"At first, I was worried, 'Will one day be enough?'
Thanks to planning according to the baby's rhythm,
It went really smoothly.
The baby was barely fussy and we all had a great time.
Above all, the grandparents of both families
I was happy that they were pleased with how well the arrangements were made."
Emergency preparedness
However, babies do unexpected things.
💝 "Love can be conveyed even if it's not perfect"
→ A little mishap is a lovely memory
💝 "The baby is the main character"
→ It's best to go with the baby's schedule
💝 "Family understanding is the most important thing"
→ If we all work together we can overcome this
A warm event centered around babies,
It will surely be a wonderful memory that you will never forget .
Seasons and baby health management
From midsummer shrine visits to midwinter's first festival
How to protect your beloved child with a lunar and climate calendar
"My son was born in August. Is it okay to take him to the shrine in the middle of summer?"
"My daughter was born in February, and I'm worried she'll catch a cold at her first festival in the middle of winter..."
Managing the seasons and your baby's health is a very important issue.
To protect your beloved child, be sure to learn about seasonal precautions.
I see! The secret of baby's body temperature regulation
First, let me share some key findings.
Babies regulate their body temperature in a completely different way than adults.
🌡️Newborn (0-3 months) Features
→ Immature thermoregulatory function
→ Easily affected by outside temperature
→ Be careful of dehydration, heatstroke, and cold
🌡️Infant (3-12 months) characteristics
→ Gradually develops the ability to regulate body temperature
→ Large individual differences
→ The balance between activity level and season is important
In other words, it is important to change your countermeasures depending on the combination of the moon and the season .
Spring (March-May): Preparations for the shrine visit and first festival season
🌸Benefits
→ Most comfortable season → Ideal weather for events → No problems as long as you are careful about pollen
🌸Notes
→ Large temperature difference between morning and evening → Possibility of hay fever (rare, but be careful)
→ UV rays start to get stronger
🌸Countermeasures
→ Adjust the temperature by wearing layers → Block UV rays with a hat → Consider the temperature difference between indoors and outdoors
Summer (June-August): Midsummer event preparations
☀️Most important: Prevent heatstroke
Dangerous times
→ Avoid going out between 11:00-15:00 → Ideally between 9:00-10:00 in the morning → Evenings after 17:00 are also possible
Dress code
→ Thin, long-sleeved clothing to block direct sunlight → Choose breathable materials → A hat is a must-have item
Venue selection
→ Air-conditioned photo studio → Choose a shrine with plenty of shade → Minimize travel time
hydration
→ Maintain the quality of breast milk by keeping the mother hydrated → If breastfeeding, give small amounts frequently → Consider adjusting the intervals between feedings
Autumn (September to November): The best season for a comfortable stay
🍂Benefits
→ An ideal season, along with spring → Low humidity and comfortable → Autumn is good for breastfeeding due to appetite
🍂Notes
→ Dry weather begins → Cold and infectious disease season begins → Sudden temperature changes
🍂Measures
→ Start moisturizing measures → Avoid crowds → Wear clothes that help regulate body temperature
Winter (December-February): Preparation for mid-winter events
❄️Most important: Keep warm and prevent infections
Basics of cold weather protection
→ Create a layer of air by wearing layers → Warm your hands and feet → Keep your head warm with a hat
Countermeasures against indoor and outdoor temperature differences
→ Wear clothes that are easy to put on and take off → Adjust the temperature with a blanket → Pay attention to the temperature inside the car while traveling
Infectious disease prevention
→ Avoid crowded times → Ensure the room is well ventilated → Thoroughly disinfect your hands
Moon Age x Season: Special Caution Calendar
⚠️ Combinations that require special attention
🔥Newborn x Midsummer
→ Highest risk of heatstroke → Short time in the cool morning hours
❄️Newborn x Midwinter
→ Risk of hypothermia → Consider changing events to indoor locations
🌪️ 3-6 months × Seasonal changes
→ Easily falls ill → Responds sensitively to temperature changes
A relatively safe combination
🌸Which age in the month x Spring/Autumn
→ Enjoy the event with the most peace of mind
☀️ 6 months and older × Summer (with special measures)
→ This can be addressed by developing the ability to regulate body temperature.
Real mom stories:
"My son was born in July, so we had his shrine visit in September.
At first I was worried, "Is it too late?"
It was cool and comfortable, and my son was in a good mood, which was great.
It was the right decision to put the baby first."
What's important is the health and safety of your baby, not the formality .
Considering the season and the phase of the moon,
Celebrate this wonderful event at the perfect time for your beloved child .
[Q&A Part 2] New styles of celebration in the COVID-19 era
Online participation and small group events...options suited to the times
Q: I'm worried about COVID-19 and am hesitant to hold my first festival with a large group of people.
What should I do?
A: That's a very important concern, but please rest assured.
Love is not proportional to the number of people.
Rather, it is a new style of celebration that is in line with the times.
It allows for a deeper bond to develop.
I see! A new way of celebrating after COVID-19
In fact, since 2020, many households
They have created a first Doll Festival that is different from the traditional ones, but full of love .
📊 The reality of new celebration styles (2023 survey)
- 🏠 Small group gatherings with family only: 45%
- 💻 Online participation: 28%
- 📸Photo and video sharing: 35%
- 🎁Gift mailing style: 42%
(Multiple answers)
In other words, many families are using their imagination to create wonderful celebrations .
Put it into practice! A successful example of a new style that conveys affection
🌟Case 1: Online simultaneous participation
Participants: Couple and baby at home, grandparents online from their own homes
Style: Unveiling the Hina dolls on Zoom and having a celebratory meal together
Tip: Deliver the same lunch box to each household in advance
Mom's thoughts:
"At first I wondered, 'Is it okay to do it online?'
Watching my daughter grow up through the screen
Seeing the tearful grandparents,
I realized that love really does get conveyed.
Instead, everyone is relaxed,
I'm glad we were able to celebrate with a natural look on our faces."
🌟Case 2: Photo and video sharing
Participants: Couples and babies only
Style: Take beautiful photos and videos, create albums and distribute them to your relatives
Idea: A growth record of the dolls and a letter are also included.
Mom's thoughts:
"Although the number of people was small, I was able to spend time with my daughter.
From both parents who saw the photo
"Thank you for such a wonderful album," he said.
There are many ways to express love."
🌟Case 3: Delayed celebration
Participants: The meeting was held in the morning with maternal grandparents and in the afternoon with paternal grandparents.
Style: Celebrate separately using the same Hina dolls
Idea: Prepare two celebratory meals, each with a different menu
Mom's thoughts:
"I thought it would be difficult to hold the event twice,
Spending time with both of my grandparents
My daughter wasn't too tired and it was a great day.
I was happy to hear them say, "I'm looking forward to next year."
What's so long? The unexpected benefits of this new style
In fact, this new style of celebration has some wonderful benefits that weren't available before .
💝Baby 's pace is the priority
→ No need to adjust to the pace of a large group → Freedom to schedule feedings, diapers, and naps
💝Reducing mom's burden
→ Less preparation and cleanup burden → Relax and celebrate without worrying too much
💝You can concentrate on recording
→ You can take more time to take photos and videos → You can capture lots of natural expressions of your family
💝Deepening individual relationships
→ You can spend time with each person → You can have deeper conversations and interactions
What's important is not the "form" but the "heart"
What we learned from the coronavirus pandemic
It's about "what is truly important?"
It's not a fancy venue, a large number of participants, or luxurious food.
The important thing is to share your joy at your baby's growth and your wish for their happiness.
Whatever the occasion, it will be a wonderful celebration if you feel that way.
Times may change, but the love that parents have for their children remains the same.
Celebrate your child's first Doll Festival in a way that is full of love and love.
Commemorative photos and videos that will become lifelong treasures
Photography tips from the pros
How to use it for studio, business trip and selfie
Best timing by age
"How should I take commemorative photos for the first festival?"
"I want to take a photo with the Hina dolls, but I wonder if I can get a good photo?"
I understand very well your feelings about commemorative photos.
The first festival of a child's life happens once in a lifetime.
I want to record my beloved child's growth in a beautiful way.
The wisdom of a professional photographer with 20 years of experience photographing thousands of families.
I will tell you generously.
I see! The secret of the best time to take photos by age
Did you know that there is actually a "magic period" for baby photography?
📸 2-3 months old: angelic sleeping face stage
→ Deep sleep keeps the facial expression stable → The static beauty of the Hina dolls stands out → Recommended: Studio photography
📸6-8 months: Full smile
→ Not shy at all, smiles at everyone → Can sit steadily and has a wide range of poses → Recommended for: on-site photography and studio photography
📸 10-12 months: Personality explosion period
→ Expressive and active → Showing interest in Hina dolls → Recommended: Home photoshoots and on-site photoshoots
In other words, the atmosphere of a photo can change completely depending on when you take it .
Direct from the pros! Successful methods for different shooting styles
🏠Home photography: A natural and loving experience
merit:
- ✅ Relax your baby
- ✅ Natural expressions of family members
- ✅ Relax without worrying about time
- ✅ Lowest cost
Tips for success:
→ Use the natural light by the window → Place the Hina dolls against the wall → You can take beautiful photos even with a smartphone → Use the continuous shooting mode to capture every expression
📷On -site photography: professional skills and the warmth of home
merit:
- ✅ Beautiful finish with professional techniques
- ✅ It's safe for babies at home
- ✅ Include the whole family in the photo
- ✅ A natural combination with Hina dolls
Tips for choosing:
→ Extensive experience in baby photography → Smooth equipment delivery and setup → Clear deadlines for editing and data delivery → Flexible response to family requests
🏢Studio photography: professional commemorative photos
merit:
- ✅ Highest quality photos
- ✅ A wide variety of backgrounds and accessories
- ✅ Perfect lighting and equipment
- ✅ Complete support up to album creation
Tips for success:
→ Book a time when your baby is in a good mood → Calculate feeding and diaper change timings → Bring your favorite toys → Discuss family clothing in advance
"Love Techniques" for Taking Moving Photos
Professionals will teach you about "mental preparation," which is more important than technique.
💕 Don't strive for perfection
→ A baby's natural facial expression is the most beautiful → Even minor mishaps are adorable memories → Even if they're not smiling, the expression at that time is a treasure
💕Cherish the present moment of your family
→ Capture not only the baby but the whole family's expressions → Capture casual conversations and gestures → Record the time spent preparing
💕Put your feelings into the Hina dolls
→ Why did you choose that particular doll? → What wishes did you put into it? → Those feelings are reflected in the photo.
Actual success story: An impressive photography experience
From a mom who had great success with her home shoot
"At first I thought, 'Maybe I can take better pictures in a studio,' but
It was really nice to shoot at home.
Maybe it's because my daughter is relaxed in her usual environment,
I was able to capture lots of cute expressions.
The photo of her taking a nap with the Hina dolls is
It's like a scene from a picture book, and it warms my heart every time I see it."
From a dad who was impressed by the photoshoot
"A professional photographer came,
We had lots of photos taken of the whole family.
I'm usually the one taking the photos, but I was also in the picture, so it was a perfect family record.
I am very happy with the photos, which capture the atmosphere of the room decorated with Hina dolls."
A "letter to the future" in a photograph
Commemorative photographs are not just records.
It starts from you now,
It's a "love letter" to your future daughter or son .
Twenty years later, when my adult child saw the photo,
"Oh, I was loved so much growing up."
So that you can feel that way,
Please leave a photo full of love.
Rather than technical perfection, photos that are filled with heartfelt love are what matter.
It will become a treasure for life .
Experiences of experienced mothers who say, "I'm glad I did it!"
A success story of love and practicality
Secrets to preparing for events with zero regrets and deepening family bonds
"Is this really okay?"
"What are other moms doing?"
It's natural to feel anxious about your first annual event.
But don't worry.
If you prepare it with lots of love, it will surely become a wonderful memory.
We will introduce heartwarming stories from experienced mothers who say, ``I'm glad I did it!''
Heartwarming story 1: "Simple but full of love" - Mama A (32 years old)
Background: Budget: 80,000 yen, compact Hina dolls, couple + grandparents from both families
"At first, I was worried, 'Will a small Hina doll be okay?'
But it was a good idea to get a size that my daughter and I could decorate every year!
Now that he's three years old,
She now says to me on her own, "Mom, let's put out the Hina dolls!"
Rather than expensive Hina dolls,
I think the Hina dolls that we can enjoy together every year are much more valuable.
The grandparents were also very happy, saying, "It's wonderful that they can decorate it together with their grandchildren."
I realized that love can be conveyed without spending a lot of money ."
Heartwarming Experience 2: "I was born early, so it was a great decision to have my baby the following year" - Mama B (29 years old)
Background: Born in February, first festival in March of the following year, careful preparations
"My daughter was born in February, and March came around when she was just one month old.
I was worried, "What should I do?"
But it was really good the next year!
When my daughter was 1 year and 3 months old, she saw the Hina dolls and reached out to them.
Trying to eat chirashi sushi,
It's so heartwarming...
Looking back at the photos, both my husband and I look genuinely happy.
I'm really glad we chose a time that didn't force us and made everyone smile .
I learned the importance of putting my family's happiness first , without being bound by formalities."
Heartwarming Story 3: "The love between our families came to fruition" - Mama C (35 years old)
Background: The two families almost got into a dispute over choosing a Hina doll, but it was resolved amicably.
"At first, my mother's family wanted a magnificent three-tiered display.
My father's family home was "compact and enough,"
I was at a loss as to what to do.
But we talked and said, "Let's all pray for our daughter's happiness."
We all decided to go to a doll shop to look at dolls .
Then, my daughter was staring intently at one of the dolls...
Both families agreed, "This child chose this Hina doll."
We decided on that Hina doll.
Thinking about it now, including the process of choosing the Hina dolls,
It was a valuable experience that strengthened the bonds between our family members .
My daughter now proudly says, "This is the Hina doll that we all chose together."
Heartwarming Story 4: "My husband changed after my son chose a May doll" - Mama D (33 years old)
Background: My husband was engrossed in choosing a May doll for our baby boy's first festival.
"My husband, who was not usually very active in child-rearing,
When it came to choosing a May doll for my son, he suddenly became enthusiastic (laughs).
"This helmet will protect my son."
"This expression resembles my son's," he said, looking at her carefully as she chose.
I felt like I was starting to become more aware of my role as a father .
On the first festival day, my husband told our son
The image of him telling him, "Become a strong and kind man" was very striking...
Starting with May dolls,
I think the bonds between our families have become stronger .
Now my husband takes the initiative to decorate it every year,
My son is also looking forward to decorating the helmet with his dad."
The "secret to happiness" shared by all experienced moms
These experiences reveal commonalities among happy annual events .
✨ Prioritize "love" over "perfection"
→ Don't be bound by formalities, but respect the feelings of your family
✨ Emphasize "meaning" over "amount"
→ It doesn't have to be expensive, but the thought that goes into it is what's important
✨ Decide on a "family" basis rather than an "individual" basis
→ Discuss with everyone and have fun together
✨ Think not only about the present but also about the future
→ Imagine your child growing up
My last message to you
Thank you for reading this far.
I'm sure you too,
"A wonderful annual event for my beloved child"
It must be a warm feeling.
It's okay not to try to be the perfect mother.
You don't need to prepare anything expensive.
What's important is your love and the smiles of your family.
A year in which you will grow together with your baby through annual events.
I'm sure it will be an irreplaceable and treasured time .
This guide is
We hope we can help you and your beloved baby have a happy year together.
I couldn't be more happy.
The baby that is born is the most loved and happiest person in the world.
We wholeheartedly support this wonderful annual event and the love-filled first Doll Festival.
Love is the best gift
No matter how grand the occasion, no matter how expensive the gift,
There is nothing like love.
This guide will help you shape your love,
Creating wonderful memories that will make the whole family smile
I hope this will be a trigger.
The baby that is born will surely be the happiest person in the world.
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