Coming of Age Day
Guide to the date, history, cultural origins and celebration traditions of Coming of Age Day in Japan.
History & Origins of Coming of Age Day
Coming of Age Day (Seijin no Hi) in Japan is celebrated on the second Monday of January. Historically arising from ancient Shinto transition rituals, the modern holiday was established in 1948 to celebrate and encourage all youths who turned 20 (the legal age of adulthood in Japan for decades) over the past year, welcoming them into society with adult responsibilities.
How It Is Observed & Celebrated
Youths dress in magnificent, expensive traditional Kimonos and Hakamas. They attend formal municipal ceremonies (Seijin-shiki) in city halls, followed by shrine visits with family and evening celebrations with friends.
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