Coming of Age Day in Japan

Seijin no Hi, or Coming of Age Day, is a significant national holiday in Japan that celebrates youth transitioning into adulthood. Observed on the second Monday of January, this day honors those who have turned 18 in the previous year, marking Japan's official age of majority since 2022.

The holiday's origins are debated, with some theories tracing back to the 700s. However, its modern incarnation began in 1946 as a post-World War II initiative to inspire hope in younger generations. By 1948, it had been established as a national holiday.

The day is characterized by formal ceremonies held at local city halls, where new adults receive guidance on their roles and responsibilities in society. These events are followed by parties and family gatherings. The visual spectacle of the day is particularly noteworthy, with young women donning elaborate furisode kimonos and young men wearing hakama or Western-style suits.

However, Coming of Age Day is not without controversy. Recent years have seen debates about the nature of celebrations, as some events have devolved into raucous parties, leading to public disturbances and arrests. This has prompted some municipalities to reconsider the format of the holiday.

The lowering of the age of majority from 20 to 18 in 2022 marked a significant shift in Japanese society, the first such change in 140 years. While this grants 18-year-olds new rights such as the ability to marry without parental consent, it maintains restrictions on activities like smoking and drinking until the age of 20.