Coming of age day is a Japanese annual public holiday celebrated on the second Monday in January. It already has reminded me of my own experience that I had a few years back from now on.
It made me so happy to be a part of this annual ceremony. A special event like this can be not be forgotten by every Japanese young adult who is going to be 20 years old.
Indeed, it is a memorable day in which young guys gather in a place that have turned 20 years old. In fact, it is held in various municipalities all over the country.
Just to tell you that, some places organize this ceremony one day earlier on the Sunday. However, let’s find more about this ceremony.
This year Coming of Age Day in Japan will be held on January 8, 2024.
20 Years Old! Now What?
What one young guy could do just right after becoming an adult? The coming of age ceremony signifies that being an adult person allows him or her to drink, go to bar, gamble, smoke and have the right to give vote.
They also feel they are young enough to take some responsibility for their family. To be honest, it is all up to you; you could smoke or drink legally.
Surly, no one would bother you until your body react bad way. I know smoking is a bad habit so, I never ever have desired to be a smoker in my entire life.
Coming of Age Day Ceremony
Before 1998, the ceremony used to hold on January 15. In fact, the ceremonies have been celebrated in Japan since the Nara period (710-794).
It is said that in the past, boys and girls celebrated their coming of age when they turned 15 and 13. At present, boys and girls are equal, they have to be 20 years old then they are seen as adult persons.
As the ceremony takes place in every city word throughout Japan, everyone can participate in it including photographers.
They wait for the future generation of Japan to capture their happy moments using their cameras. It is the time for congratulating and encouraging young guys who have turned to twenty years old.
Government officials are to give encouraging speeches to the young guys. I was handed out small gifts from them, it made my day! In fact, it is a tradition that small gifts are handed out to the new adults.
After the official ceremony, young adults usually spend their afternoon and evening time on their own way. Sometimes, they go to restaurants and have drinks; someone decides to go to shopping mall.
The thing I did with some of my friends were visiting our Buddhist temple and getting to a sushi bar. Right now, I am nostalgic for my coming of age ceremony.
The Costumes
In Japan, on a special day like coming of age young adults try to wear the beautiful dresses that include a type of kimono with long sleeves called furisode for female. Here in Japan, usually, furisode is worn by adult single women.
On the other hand, male wear hakama (male kimono), and western suits. I had worn a nice looking hakama instead of wearing western suits. One of my friends brought a beautiful Japanese hand fan with him.
In fact, girls take long time to get dressed before they arrive at the place where they will be blessed.
Most of them prefer to go to a kimono kitsuke who usually dresses them elegantly. Their preparation for the coming age day ceremony begins early in the morning.
I do hope you have enjoyed reading this article and viewing the photos I have uploaded here. Thank you.
