Only in Japan: backpack prayers

For many people who grew up in countries like my home of Australia, the difference between the back to school experience from there to here can feel striking. Back home, a first day of school is usually marked by a quick photo, a packed lunch, and a cheerful "good luck" from your parents at the school gate. 

Here, I notice that there's often a lot more formality, as evidenced by this back to school "randoseru prayer" taking place at a local temple. 

People are instructed to bring along their child's school backpack for the head priest to pray over it for the healthy growth and academic success of your child, along with traffic safety. I think it's a lovely way to feel that support for a big life change in a formal way.