In Japan, the relationship with cousins ( itoko ) is often distinct from friendships at school. Because these meetings happen only once or twice a year, there is a "time capsule" effect. Cousins see each other grow in leaps and bounds, comparing heights against the same doorframe in their grandparents' house year after year.
Unveiling the Mystique of Shinseki-no-ko-to-o-tomari-dakara: A Journey into Japan's Spiritual Heritage shinseki-no-ko-to-o-tomari-dakara