MANILA, Philippines – Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines ENDO Kazuya celebrated Girls’ Day or Hinamasuri, honoring young girls and expressing his hopes for their bright futures.
In a post on the Japanese Embassy’s Facebook page, Japan’s top envoy, together with his wife Madame Endo, showcased a beautiful display of ornamental dolls or called hina-ningyō on a tiered platform.
“Wishing happiness to young girls today! Our Residence is filled with the beauty of Hinamatsuri or Girls' Day, celebrated every March 3 in Japan. These eye-catching tiered displays of heirloom hinadolls symbolize our wishes for their health & lasting prosperity,” Endo posted on X.
Wishing happiness to young girls today! 👭🌸 Our Residence is filled with the beauty of #Hinamatsuri or Girls Day, celebrated every March 3 in 🇯🇵. These eye-catching tiered displays of heirloom hinadolls symbolize our wishes for their health & lasting prosperity. 🙏✨ pic.twitter.com/sTw8Fc8kke
— Ambassador of Japan in the Philippines (@AmbJPNinPH) March 3, 2025
“The meaningful celebration is usually marked by displays of ornamental dolls or hina-ningyō on a tiered platform, representing the Emperor, Empress and their court,” the Embassy stated.
Hinamatsuri is one of Japan's traditional festivals, deeply rooted in the country's rich cultural heritage, the Embassy added.
According to Nippon Communications Foundation’s website Nippon.com, March 3 marks the observance of the hinamatsuri (doll festival), one of five sekku, or seasonal festivals, celebrated through the year.
On these days, ceremonies were conducted and special dishes prepared and eaten to ensure good fortune, the website added.
Over time, the March sekku took on aspects of a broader tradition involving the making of simple paper dolls called hitogata. These dolls were common toys for children of aristocratic families as well as serving as katashiro, or emblems used in purification rituals, Nippon.com explained.
The hinamatsuri gradually became a time to give thanks for the health and development of young girls, thanks to the influence of a traditional form of doll play called hina-asobi, the website stated.
