Oh yeah, it's that day again. Just like a year ago, it's the third of March. Today is a day of celebration, not only in my home country, where the telephone wires will be glowing again to celebrate one of the superstars, but also in my here in Japan, where we will be celebrating Girls' Day.

Girls' Day, or the Doll Festival, which is called Hinamatsuri ひな祭り in Japan, is a day dedicated to girls in particular. In many households with little girls, in recent weeks the doll displays have been taken out of their boxes and placed in the family homes. The smaller displays consist of two figures representing the imperial couple and the larger displays additionally show their whole court.

As we have written before, these dolls are called hina-ningyo and their origins are said to date back to the Edo period and the 16th century. At that time, it was believed that the dolls had the power to trap evil spirits in their bodies and thus protect the owner from danger and harm. However, the actual origins of this custom could be based on ancient Chinese rituals that have found their way to Japan over time.

We can all always use a little spiritual support. However, today is the day that we dedicate to all the little girls around the world and celebrate them. Her at our home we are just too happy to join in and are delighted that there is so much life here in our home.

And therefore: "All the best" for all the little and big girls out there ! I wish you a peaceful and bright future where all your dreams can come true. Fly high and show us all what you can do !