In most countries around the world, the age of reaching adulthood is recognized as 18. However, in Japan the age is 20. The year someone turns 20, will be a big celebration prepared by family, friends and even Japanese society. For many other countries, it is standard that the day someone turns into an adult there is not much celebration other than the realization that their childhood days are over, and it is time to step into adulthood. Of course, that realization is mutual for Japanese, but it is nice to be celebrated by those around you so that the change from adolescence to adulthood is been made clearer.
The second Monday of January is the Coming-of-Age-Day, a national holiday in Japan. It is a national celebration to those turning 20. Each city in Japan will hold a celebratory ceremony in a big space, in which all Japanese turning 20 will gather to listen to speeches from different representatives in their hometowns. The speeches will mainly focus on congratulating them on becoming adults and wishing them best of luck later in life. After the ceremony, it is common to receive gifts from family and end the day with going outside to eat lots of food with family or friends.
A big part about celebrating Coming-of-Age-Day in Japan, is the clothing. The way Japanese dress up for the special day is quite unique as they wear very beautiful traditional clothing. For women, it is quite common to wear “Furisode” (long-sleeved type of kimono), wooden “Gehta” sandals with split-toed socks called “Tabi”. In addition, since the celebration is held in Winter it is also common for women to wear a white shawl around their neck. While for men, it is quite different. In present time, it is more common to see men dress formally by wearing a black or gray Western-style suit. However, there are still some men that chose to wear the traditional attire for Coming-of-Age-Day, which is called a “Hakama”. This day is very stressful for many in the morning as people need to wake up early to get their hair and makeup done. Then dress into the attire chosen and be able to reach the morning ceremony in time. After the ceremony, people will gather outside to take pictures with friends and family.
(Japanese dressed in “Furisode” taking a selfie together)
After the many pictures taken, it is then normal for people to go home and relax a little bit. While, relaxing the new 20-year-old in the household will receive a gift from their parents. The gift ranges from money to personal things they wished for. Later that day around evening, it is then custom for people to change into attire that looks nice but easy to move around in. Something like nice pants and a nice shirt. They will then go and eat with either their family or friends that also turns 20 that year. There is no customary food eaten at this day, but it is common to go to a restaurant that serves delicious Japanese food. Dinner is usually how this day ends for many, but there are some Japanese that decide to hang out with their friends by going to karaoke and stay up late.
Coming-of-Age-Day is a wonderful holiday in Japan, in which all Japanese will celebrate those turning 20. They will not only celebrate Japanese, but celebrate foreigners as well, so if you wish to move to Japan and find yourself turning 20 while living there, it is highly recommended to celebrate it like the Japanese do. It is a nice day to be celebrated and have fun. Additionally, finally think about what adulthood will be like for you. Coming-of-Age-Day is also coming up this Monday (10th of January 2022) so we wish everyone turning 20 a good Coming-of-Age-Day. We in the LEAF Team wish you a fantastic future ahead of you!
Presented by APU LEAF
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