Japan's portrait studios are adjusting services to cater to COVID

Among the many service businesses in Japan that have fallen upon hard times due to the coronavirus pandemic are photo portrait studios. Shukan Jitsuwa (Dec. 10) purposely timed an article to be published in autumn, when families observe the shichi-go-sanfestival, a traditional rite of passage for 3- and 7-year-old girls and 5-year-old boys.

Typically held each Nov. 15 or on the weekend closest to that date, the festival is an occasion for parents to celebrate the growth and well-being of their children, dressing them up in colorful kimono and visiting Shinto shrines. Naturally portrait photos are taken to mark the occasion.