Contents
Intro
Imagine streets filled with vibrant colors and smiles, as young adults all over Japan get ready to mark a significant milestone in their lives. “成人の日” Seijin-no-hi, A Coming of Age Day is a national holiday in Japan, celebrated on the second Monday of January. It’s when 20-year-olds step into a new chapter as recognized adults in Japanese society.
What is Seijin-no-hi?
Seijin-no-hi is celebrated on the second Monday of January, honoring individuals who have turned or will turn 20 during the current school year. In Japan, reaching 20 symbolizes becoming a full-fledged adult, equipped with new rights and responsibilities. This day is marked by nationwide ceremonies and personal celebrations, recognizing the importance of this new chapter in life. To celebrate it, men usually wear suits and women Kimonos. Though it is not mandatory, young ladies especially dream of wearing Kimonos and showing off their beauty on Seijin-no-hi, so it is easy to see beautifully dressed women on the street in Japan on that day.
History of Seijin-no-hi
The roots of Seijin-no-hi can be traced back several centuries. Initially, it was a rite of passage for young nobles to mark their entry into adulthood. The age representing adulthood back then was not 20 but it is known to be the ages between 12 and 16. The holiday’s name was also different; it was called 元服(gen-puku) directly translated to “the original clothes.” During the period when Samurai ruled Japan, there was a difference in the hairstyles and clothes of a child and a grown man. So on this gen-puku, boys turning into men were represented by changing their hairstyles and clothes, and at the end of the ceremony, they were crowned. Only after World War II, the age to celebrate the coming of age change to 20 and is passed down till now.
Image resource: Touken World
Lowering the Age from 20 to 18
In 2018, a significant change occurred when Japan’s government decided to lower the legal age of adulthood from 20 to 18, effective from April 2022. This amendment reflects changing perceptions of adulthood and responsibility in Japanese society and aligns Japan with many other countries in terms of legal adulthood age. After this change, there has been a debate over who is to celebrate the coming of age day. Currently, those who are turning 20 still predominantly celebrate Seijin-no-Hi in their beautiful kimonos and newly tailored suits. This is because individuals who are 18 years old often have university entrance exams in January.
Celebrations
Furisode & Hakama: Traditional Attire
One of the most visually striking aspects of Seijin-no-hi is the traditional attire. Women often wear furisode, a type of kimono with long, flowing sleeves that signifies both adulthood and single status. Men traditionally don a hakama, which is a formal divided skirt, sometimes worn over a kimono. These garments are not just clothing but symbols of elegance, maturity, and respect for tradition.
Celebration Practices in the Local
The day typically starts with young adults attending a local ceremony, often at their home middle school, city halls or community centers, where government officials give speeches, and gifts are presented. Following the official events, it’s common for the new adults to gather for parties with friends or reunions with family members, celebrating their journey into adulthood. These festivities represent not only a personal milestone but also a communal acknowledgment of their new role in society.
Outro
In essence, Seijin-no-hi is a vivid tapestry of tradition, modernity, and societal values, reflecting the ongoing evolution of Japanese culture and its approach to adulthood.
