another japanese tradition (would have been better if a real holiday though). it is also considered Girl`s day and families with young daughters will display a set of ornamental dolls showing the emperor and empress and attendants.
these were on display near the exit gates of the train station nearest to my apartment. The doll set is usually 7-tiered, and from the prices I saw in the shops, they do not come cheap.
Anyway one of my japanese officemate, a cool but quite advanced in age, and has three daughters, mentioned that he put up their ornamental doll set one month early. That he did to remind his daughters they are not that young anymore, to consider to move out of their home.. and get married maybe....
the eldest daughter is probably about my age. looks like father`s wish for not quite young daughters is universal. hehehe
