Randoseru blessing: something different to try

If you are looking for something a little less mainstream to try as an expat with a child starting elementary school this year, let me recommend the "randoseru blessing" at a shrine. This is one of those things that my expat and long-term resident friends in Japan often say they never knew about until it was too late. And it is something I am really glad we did.

I think the reason the "randoseru blessing" are not that well known is they are not a long-term tradition the way "omiya-mairi" (blessing for a baby) or "7-5-3" are. Randoseru blessings are a 21st century thing! Although, people may have had randoseru purpose blessed before that, the actual event "randoseru blessing" has only been around a couple of decades. The blessing is meant to pray for the child's safe commute, academic success, and good health throughout their six years of elementary school. 

When we did it, there was a stipulation that you had to be a tie to the shrine, which we thankfully did as our children all had their "omiya-mairi" at the shrine. They have since removed that stipulation at our shrine, but it still remains a somewhat exclusive thing to do, because they only accept 10 children per ceremony and they only hold the ceremony three times. Moreover, you have to apply in advance by post and pay 5000 yen.

There are some places where it is easier to participate. But if you do need to book in advance, application season is coming up. The ceremonies are often on in March, sometimes February. So, if you would like to experience it, check out your shrine's website. It is expensive, but it's a unique experience and the child gets a lovely gift bag, which includes an ema, pencils and sweets, among other things. At our shrine they also give the kids a choice of an adorable mini keychain randoseru, pictured, which is still a treasure to them.