Rethinking the Nature of Connection

3753 explores the meaning of "connection" in modern society by reinterpreting the traditional Shichi-Go-San (7-5-3) ceremony. This Japanese ritual, typically held for children aged 3, 5, and 7, is a rite of passage expressing gratitude for a child's growth and well-being. While often seen as a cultural formality today, religious ceremonies like Shichi-Go-San hold untapped potential to strengthen bonds between individuals and society.
This project creates and enacts a new ritual, 3753, poetically envisioning an alternative future where the power of connection is fully realized.

Issue

Considering Japan’s Suicide Crisis

Japan has the highest suicide rate among developed nations, with suicide being the leading cause of death for people aged 15–39. This project takes a speculative approach, examining how strengthening human connections might address this pressing social issue.

Creation

Reimagining Shichi-Go-San (7-5-3) as a Milestone for the 30s

Traditionally, Shichi-Go-San is a ritual of gratitude for life. This project modernizes the concept, shifting it to the 30s as a new format for confronting life itself. Human connections are essential for survival. By focusing on the ritual’s role in fostering relationships, the project suggests that creating structured opportunities for connection may offer a path to overcoming the hidden struggles of contemporary society.