Coming of Age Day

Coming of Age Day (成人の日, Seijin no Hi) is a Japanese public holiday dedicated to young people who have reached the age of majority, celebrated annually on the second Monday of January. It marks the transition to adulthood and independence, and is observed with great festivity. Across Japan, young men and women dressed in elegant traditional attire, often accompanied by their families, attend official ceremonies and celebratory gatherings.

The origins of Coming of Age Day can be traced back to the Shinto tradition of gempuku, a rite of passage for boys aged 12 to 17 during the Heian period (794–1185). This ceremony was initially reserved for the sons of aristocrats and samurai, but by the Muromachi period (14th–16th century), it had spread to commoners as well. During the ceremony, boys received adult clothing, had the hair on the front of their heads shaved, and adopted an adult name, symbolizing their full membership in the family. Girls also had a separate coming-of-age ritual, in which they wore an adult kimono for the first time. The practice of ohaguro (teeth blackening) was common among married women and adults but was not necessarily a universal part of female coming-of-age ceremonies. These ceremonies were held individually for each child until 1948, when the Japanese government officially established Coming of Age Day as a national holiday for all young people reaching adulthood.

Since 1876, the age of majority in Japan was set at 20 years old, but in 2022, it was lowered to 18 years old. However, most Coming of Age Day celebrations still focus on 20-year-olds, as local governments have continued holding ceremonies primarily for this age group. This is because legal rights such as drinking alcohol, smoking, and gambling are still restricted until age 20, making it a more significant milestone in Japanese society. Young people who turned 20 between April 2 of the previous year and April 1 of the current year typically take part in the seijin-shiki (coming-of-age ceremony).

The seijin-shiki (成人式) is the main event of the holiday, held at city halls, exhibition centers, concert venues, or parks, depending on the location and weather conditions. During the ceremony, local government officials and notable public figures congratulate the young adults, deliver speeches about responsibility and civic duty, and present them with commemorative gifts. Following the official proceedings, many attendees visit Shinto shrines to pray for success and good fortune. Some shrines also hold traditional ceremonies to bless the youth. For example, at the Momote Shiki archery ceremony, two priests in white robes release blunted arrows that whistle as they fly, a symbolic act believed to ward off evil. Afterward, archers in brightly colored kariginu kimonos take turns shooting 100 arrows, and the ceremony concludes when the final arrow is fired—signifying good luck and good health for all those entering adulthood.

After the formal events, young adults often continue the celebrations in a more relaxed setting, going to karaoke bars, restaurants, or other entertainment venues with friends.

A distinctive aspect of Coming of Age Day is the traditional attire worn by the participants. On this day, young men traditionally wear a haori (kimono-style jacket) and hakama (pleated pants), although more and more men are opting for Western-style suits. Young women typically wear a furisode, a long-sleeved kimono for unmarried women, in bright colors and intricate designs. The furisode is an expensive garment, with some costing as much as $8,000 to $10,000, although prices vary according to material and craftsmanship. Because of the high cost, many women rent them from kimono salons or wear a family heirloom passed down from their mothers. They may also wear a fur stole over their kimono to keep warm. Special attention is paid to hairstyling, with elaborate braids, buns, and floral hair ornaments completing the look.