Life Cycle Rituals of the Japanese People

Abstract

This article touches on the life cycle ceremonies of the Japanese people (rites of naming, beseeching fortune, shichigosan, coming of age, marriage, funeral, longevity wishing) because these are one of important elements affirming the cultural identity of Japanese nation. Change of these rituals is inevitable but Japan affirms that it is needed to keep, preserve and bring into play the special traditional cultural values of life cycle ceremonies in the present era of international integration and development.