How are birthdays normally celebrated in Japan? -

I ve heard that they re not as big a celebration as they are in the west. From what I ve seen in dramas and movies, it seems like there s a small party and a cake with the family, and the birthday person gets like one present from each family member. I ve also heard that friends will take the birthday person out to a meal. Are these the main ways of celebrating birthdays in Japan, or are there more?

As for my experience, it is quite the same as it has been indicated by the preceding answers. In fact, I used to celebrate my birthday in Japan (I am a non Japanese) and it is quite the same as in other countries. There are certain birthdays for the Japanese people that represent very important milestones. These traditional celebrations I explain in more detail at the end of my answer as I believe the question may be related to the more normal birthdays. Let me also highlight the fine attentiveness towards the others in Japan. This may explain why Japanese tend to be so care-giving to children and respectful to coworkers, neighbours and other acquaintances. It is quite normal to give presents to them in certain special occasions like returning from a vacation. This part of their culture is also related to the way they tend to celebrate special occasions for the others, like birthdays. In regard to birthdays, I noticed that the cake for kids is a must, with the singing and blowing the candles at the end. Presents are normally given at this time. Among adults, presents may be given at any time and it is not rare that you may also be offered a special cake for your birthday (and be sure to sing and blow like the rest!). Another interesting tradition I heard is among friends, the birthday person does not usually invite (pay the bill) but he/she gets invited by the friends. I really do not know if this is a Japanese tradition or it is only done among my Japanese friends. So, in case you need a practical guide for a non special celebration my recommendation is quot;just as you feelquot;. In regard to special birthdays, I think there are several very important ages to celebrate in Japan, for example the 60th anniversary is a very, very important celebration in a person s life. This is called Kanreki and it is understood by Japanese tradition that in our lives we encounter 60 year circles. So reaching the 60th anniversary is a kind of reborn cycle. Also for kids there are some important festivities associated with certain ages (3, 5, 7) this is the sichi-go-san festivity (meaning: sichi=7, go=5, san=3). On this day, five-year-old boys, along with three- and seven-year-old girls, are dressed in traditional costumes or formal dresses (for kids) and go to the Shinto shrine to pray for health. There is a very interesting description on those special anniversaries in the web provided as source.

That sound about right, for my family anyways. Yakiniku, a presents and a cute little cake. Like others have mentioned, there are several bigger age-related celebrations. Apart from Shichi-Go-San, there are also celebrations for turning babies turning 100 days old. Seijin-No-Hi, the Coming-of-Age Day, for those turning 20, is probably the biggest celebration. I also remember going to a pretty formal Juusan-Iwai when I was younger (for a friend turning 13), but I m not sure if that s an Okinawan or Japanese custom. Professional pictures in traditional wear for these holidays are practically musts.

It depends on each person and family how they choose to celebrate, and there are no formal tradition for birthdays. Most do the same as west and give presents and have a birthday cake with friends and/or family. Your girlfriend/boyfriend/spouse/family may take you out for a meal as well.

Just like anywhere else, it depends on the person. My friend had a huge party with lots of people, some people go out, some stay home and have a small party, again it really depends on the person.

Traditions from Around the World: Birthday Celebrations from Japan In Japan a girls 3rd or 7th birthday during the year or a boy who has had his 5th go to the shrine on Novemeber 15th. At the shrine they give thanks to God for their health and strength, and pray for a long life to come. This is due to the fact that a long time ago children died before their 3rd, 5th or 7th birthdays. After they have been to the shrine a family feast is held at their home. This ceremony is known as the quot;7, 5, 3quot;, on this day they wear your best kimono and if you re a girl, a ribbon in your hair. The best thing that might happen is that you can go and buy a special bag of candy with the words quot;sweets for 1000 years of lifequot; written on them. The birthday child wears entirely new clothes to mark the occasion. Certain birthdays are more important than others and these are celebrated with a visit to the local shrine. Japanese children used to celebrate their birthdays on January first. Most Japanese children celebrate their birthdays on their true birthdays, today. The birthday child often wears entirely new clothes to mark the occasion which can include a visit to the local shrine. In Japan their is a Shinto Festival called Shichi-Go-San, which roughly means quot;seven-five-threequot;. All three year old children, as well as five year old boys and seven year old girls, are taken to the temple and given special sweets by the priest. Parents are expected to express their joy that their children have reached that age and are bound to praying for their wealth and happiness.