Some might describe the idea as barking mad but a shrine in Tokyo is offering blessings to pets to protect the fluffy creatures from a ‘ruff’ year ahead.
Pet owners have been flocking to the Ichigaya Kamegaoka Hachimangu shrine since it introduced New Year ceremonies for dogs and cats in 2000 — and numbers have gone through the woof in recent years.
« Well, they’re part of the family, » 43-year-old Yuki Mitsui told AFP, hugging two miniature dachshunds that were proudly sporting tiny fur-trimmed kimonos.
« It gives me peace of mind that these little fellas can also receive an amulet that will protect them for the year. »
Visits are by appointment only. Over 500 visitors yearly bring pets dressed in brightly coloured finery to the shrine, where they make an offering to the gods in return for a blessing.
Local priest Masaki Kaji revealed that he hit upon the idea of offering the Shinto rituals due to high demand from animal lovers.
« Many people told me they wanted to be blessed along with their pets, » he said as a steady stream of excited poodles, terriers and chihuahuas trotted past. « So we decided to make this the best place for pets to worship.
« This is the time of year when we have most visitors to the shrine and those numbers keep rising every year, » Kaji added. « It goes to show that pets are becoming more important to families. «
