Coming of Age Day in Japan

Coming of Age Day, known as Seijin no Hi in Japanese, is an important national holiday in Japan. It takes place on the second Monday of January each year. This day celebrates young people who have turned 18 in the past year, which is now the official age of adulthood in Japan.

On this special day, new adults attend ceremonies at their local city halls. They listen to speeches about the responsibilities of adulthood and receive small gifts. The most striking aspect of the day is the traditional clothing worn by the participants. Young women dress in beautiful, long-sleeved kimonos called furisode, while young men often wear suits or traditional hakama.

After the official ceremonies, there are usually parties and family gatherings. This day marks an important transition in the lives of Japanese youth, symbolizing their entry into the adult world with new rights and responsibilities.