Welcome to Kazoku Dream. We are very excited to take you on a trek through aspects of Japan and its culture through our eyes. We are children of the land, lived their as children and long to return often. The sights, the sounds, the flavors, and the beauty of Japan captured our hearts and we share our love of the land and its people with you.

Japan is an island nation with a rich and long history. Japan is made up of five major islands and thousands of smaller ones. The main islands are Hokkaido, Honshu, Kyushu, Shikoku, and Okinawa. Each island is unique having its own beauty and customs. A group of seasonal holidays known as gosekku are celebrated. These holidays take place specific dates; the first day of the first month, the third day of the third month, the fifth day of the fifth month etc. these dates are considered highly favorable due to the doubling of the odd numbers. One of these holidays is hinamatsuri, also called Dolls’ Day. The holiday takes place annually on 3 March and celebrates the health and happiness of female children. March 3 is also known as momo no sekku or the peach festival. The peach trees bloom around the beginning week of March. The blossoms are highly valued for bringing the promise of spring but are also thought to ward off evil spirits. Peach blossoms are a common decoration during hinamatsuri.

One of the most enticing aspects of hinamatsuri is the display of hina dolls. Set upon a carpet of red felt and a five to seven-tiered platform, these dolls are the highlight of the celebration. The hina dolls’ costumes are reminiscent of the imperial court during the Heian Period (794-1195CE). The central figures of the set of dolls are placed on the top tier and represent the imperial emperor and empress. In addition, there are three courtesans on the second tier, five musicians on the third tier, and trays of food flanked by court ministers on the fourth tier. The fifth tier holds guards and other items such as cherry trees, orange trees, sake cups, and highly decorative chests of drawers. The entire exhibit is called hinakazari.

The dolls are highly cherished. Some families will buy a new set of dolls with the birth of the first daughter while other families may pass the hinakazari from one generation to another. Many old hinakazari are still in existence and are prized as cultural treasures. The hinakazari frequently accompanies the daughter to her new home when she marries.