My son, Kevin , is 7 years old in these photos taken in July of 2002.    This type of costume photo is traditionally                  taken when a boy is 5 years old, but we're "gaijin" so we don't care.   The objects in the first photo represent a Samurai's helmet and symbolize strength for a son.  The two other top photos are traditional poses, but the bottom two are NOT.  Usually Japanese kids are not encouraged to show the blade in photos.  But Kevin enjoyed posing like a samurai drama actor.   Hey, Fuji Terebi (TV) or NHK (the Japanese version of PBS), are you looking for a new star????

Click on any image to see a larger version of the photo.