While International Women’s Day is on Monday (March 8) and March is Women’s History Month, those occasions coincide with a centuries-old celebration in Japan dedicated to girls.

Hinamatsuri, or Girl’s Day (also known as Doll’s Day), is held on March 3 that dates back to the 1600s in which dolls were displayed to honour the Japanese royal family.

This seasonal festival involves parties and celebrations that girls traditionally participate in. (Its counterpart on May 5 was formerly known as Boys’ Day, but was changed to Children’s Day in the 1940s so that girls could participate.)

Here in Vancouver, a local Japanese Canadian organization is recognizing this special occasion the entire month on its social media.

The Vancouver Japanese Language School and Japanese Hall (VJLS-JH) will be posting photographs of items from its extensive collection of vintage cultural clothing.

More specifically, it will focus on obi, or the sash worn around the waist with kimono.

Although both women and men wear obi, there are far more styles for women.

The VJLS-JH will be highlighting vintage obi on its Instagram account throughout March with interesting facts and opportunities for discussion.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CL-FlMwhQsi

In November 2019, the Vancouver Japanese Language School, which is located at 487 Alexander Street in Vancouver’s former Japan Town and current Downtown Eastside, received a federal designation as a national historic site.