Coming of Age Day in Japan: Customs, Meaning, and Events

Coming of Age Day in Japan

Coming of Age Day is a national holiday in Japan that is observed on the second Monday of January each year. In 2025, it falls on January 13.

Coming of Age Day marks a significant milestone in the lives of young people who have turned 20, as they are recognized as adults in society. For young people, it serves as a moment to take on responsibilities and awareness as members of society.

Across the country, various municipalities hold a celebratory ceremony called Coming of Age Ceremony for the young people living in their areas.

Due to a legal amendment in 2022, the legal age of adulthood in Japan has been changed to 18. However, many cities and towns continue to hold Coming of Age Ceremonies for those who are 20, as was done previously.

Coming of Age Ceremonies

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The Coming of Age Ceremony is held at city halls, cultural centers, hotels, and other venues.

The scale and content of the ceremony vary by region, but they typically include celebratory speeches from representatives of the municipality and greetings from representatives of the new adults.

Additionally, there are unique events held by some municipalities, such as showcases of local traditional performing arts, lectures by notable personalities, and ceremonies that take place at local theme parks or feature hotel buffets.

One famous example is Chiba's Urayasu City where the Coming of Age Ceremony is held at Tokyo Disneyland!

Various Ways to Spend Coming of Age Ceremony

One of the joys for young people attending the Coming of Age Ceremony is reuniting with old friends.

It is common to see graduates from elementary school and junior high school meeting, taking commemorative photos together, and holding reunions after the ceremony.

Participation in the Coming of Age Ceremony is voluntary. Many individuals choose not to attend the ceremony but still dress in traditional furisode (a type of kimono) for commemorative photos.

Some may visit a shrine to express gratitude for reaching this significant milestone, while others might have family meals or celebrations. There are many different ways to celebrate this occasion.

The Custom of Wearing Furisode for the Coming of Age Ceremony

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Many young women participating in the Coming of Age Ceremony wear stunning furisode.

Furisode is the most formal attire for unmarried women, characterized by its longer and more elaborate sleeves compared to typical kimonos.

While the style of dress for the Coming of Age Ceremony is flexible, many choose furisode to celebrate this significant first step into adulthood in a formal manner.

The gesture of waving the long sleeves is believed to carry a purification meaning, making furisode a propitious choice of attire. Furisode is not only worn for the Coming of Age Ceremony but also for weddings and celebratory parties.

Furisode Rentals in Japan

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Furisode kimonos can be extremely expensive, with prices often ranging from several hundred thousand yen to over a million yen when purchased.

As a result, many young women opt for rental services. Rental packages typically include not only the kimono but also accessories such as obi (sashes), bags, and zori (thong sandals), making it very convenient.

Popular colors and patterns tend to sell out quickly, so it is common to make reservations about six months to a year in advance.

Some proactive individuals even begin visiting furisode exhibitions or ordering catalogs up to two years beforehand.

Rental plans may include professional kimono dressing and hairstyling services, requiring participants to visit a beauty salon early on the day of the Coming of Age Ceremony to get ready.

In some families, furisode is passed down through generations, from grandmothers to mothers to daughters. This practice carries the significance of sharing cherished memories and joy along with the furisode.

Popular Colors and Patterns for Furisode

Furisode come in various colors and patterns, but bright colors such as red, white, green, and blue are particularly popular.

Designs that symbolize good fortune and prosperity are favored. For example, cherry blossoms represent abundant harvests, cranes symbolize longevity, and patterns like marbles and braided cords are associated with warding off evil.

On the day of the Coming of Age Ceremony, it is common for participants to have their photos taken in furisode. Some choose to take casual photos with family and friends at the ceremony venue, while others go to professional photo studios.

Young Men's Attire on Coming of Age Day

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For men, many choose to wear suits for the Coming of Age Ceremony, but just as women wear furisode, there are also those who opt for traditional kimono.

Men typically wear a mon-tsuki haori (*1) and hakama, which is a formal style akin to a tuxedo in Western clothing.

*1 Mon-tsuki refers to kimonos decorated with one's family crest.

Origin of the Coming of Age Ceremony

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In Japan, there are several days to celebrate children's growth and transitions in life, not just the Coming of Age Ceremony.

These include okuizome, which celebrates a baby's 100th day, and Shichi-Go-San, which honors children at the ages of three, five, and seven.

There is also a traditional coming-of-age ceremony known as Genpuku. This custom existed until the Meiji period (1868–1912), where boys were considered adults around the age of 15 and girls around 13.

The practice of having a Coming of Age Ceremony at the age of 20 as we know it today began with the Seinen-sai held in Saitama Prefecture in 1946. It is said to have aimed to encourage young people living in the turbulent post-World War II era.

Things to Keep in Mind about the Coming of Age Ceremony

The Coming of Age Ceremony is an important event that occurs only once in a lifetime for individuals and their families. Therefore, there are several considerations to keep in mind when observing this ceremony.

First, it is important to note that you cannot enter the venue of the Coming of Age Ceremony without permission. Typically, only invited new adults, their families, and relevant individuals are allowed inside.

Secondly, even if you see someone in a furisode or kimono, you should avoid taking photos without permission. The Coming of Age Ceremony is a private event for individuals, and photographing people without their consent is considered disrespectful.

Celebrate Japan's Young Adults

Coming of Age Day is an important day when young people who have turned 20 step into a new stage of life. On this day, you will see young people in furisode and kimono walking through the streets, making it a vibrant and festive occasion unlike any other.

If you encounter these young individuals on this memorable day, let us warmly support and celebrate them.

Main image by Pixta