Japan’s Coming of Age – Seijn no Hi

Wandering the bustling streets of Tokyo on a crisp January morning, the city is alive with a an unusual vibrancy. The air is filled with a sense of anticipation and celebration. Suddenly, your attention is drawn to a young woman gracefully making her way through the crowd.

She is dressed in a stunning furisode, the traditional long-sleeved kimono reserved for unmarried women. The rich, deep hues of her kimono contrast beautifully with the winter landscape, and the intricate patterns of flowers and cranes seem to dance with every step she takes. Her hair is elegantly styled, adorned with delicate hairpins and flowers, adding to her regal appearance.

As you continue your exploration, you notice more young women, each dressed in their own unique furisode, creating a kaleidoscope of colors and patterns. They walk with a sense of pride and excitement, often accompanied by their families. The older generations, dressed in more subdued traditional attire, beam with pride as they walk alongside their daughters and granddaughters.

Among the groups, you occasionally spot young men in sharp western-style suits, their jackets crisp and perfectly tailored. They walk with an air of confidence, often holding the hands of their female counterparts or carrying small gifts and mementos. The sight of these young adults, all heading in the same direction, creates a sense of unity and shared purpose.

The streets are lined with vendors selling traditional snacks and souvenirs, adding to the festive atmosphere. The aroma of freshly made taiyaki and yakitori fills the air, tempting you to stop and indulge in the local delicacies. As you follow the flow of people, you find yourself at a local government office or community center.

You’ve found yourself in the middle of a ceremony, celebrating Japan’s 20-year-olds coming of age called the Seijin no Hi.

This celebration is a significant cultural event in Japan, marking the transition from adolescence to adulthood. It is a day filled with tradition and pride, as young adults are officially recognized as members of society.

The traditional outfits play a crucial role in this celebration.

Women wear furisode, which are long-sleeved kimonos that symbolize their unmarried status and are often adorned with vibrant colors and intricate patterns. The fur stoles help with the winter chill.

Men typically wear hakama, traditional trousers, or western-style suits, reflecting a blend of tradition and modernity.

The ceremony itself, called Seijinshiki, is a blend of tradition and modernity, with speeches from local officials, the presentation of small gifts, and the taking of countless photographs. You’ll see young adults, now officially recognized as members of society, radiate with a sense of accomplishment and hope for the future.

As the day progresses, the celebrations continue with visits to shrines and temples, where prayers for good fortune and success are offered. The scent of incense fills the air, mingling with the soft murmur of prayers and the gentle clinking of coins tossed into offering boxes.

Photos by Kyle Hasegawa

In some locations, you might witness the energetic processions of portable shrines, or mikoshi, being carried through the streets. These lively events add an extra layer of excitement and tradition to the celebrations, with the rhythmic chanting and the sound of drums echoing through the narrow lanes.

The evening brings parties and gatherings, where the new adults celebrate with their peers, marking the end of a memorable and significant day. Laughter and music fill the air as they toast to their future, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Seijin no Hi is recognized throughout Japan on the second Monday of January each year, when the transition into adulthood is celebrated with grace and joy.

When you encounter a young adult on the streets in January dressed traditionally, be sure to congratulate them on becoming an adult.