As you wander through the bustling streets of Japan’s cities on the second Monday of January, a vibrant spectacle unfolds. Young men and women, adorned in elegant suits and exquisite kimonos, dash to trains, saunter along sidewalks, and gather in purikura (print club) arcades for memorable snapshots with friends. This flurry of activity marks a significant milestone in Japanese culture: the Seijin-no-hi, or Coming of Age Day.

The Significance of Seijin-no-hi

Seijin-no-hi is an annual rite of passage for young Japanese adults, celebrating their entry into adulthood. The day honours all individuals who turned or will turn 20 years old during the current school year, which runs from April 1 to March 31. This age signifies newfound responsibilities and privileges, including the right to vote, drink alcohol, and marry without parental consent.

Ceremonies and Celebrations

Official ceremonies, known as seijin-shiki, are organized by local city offices. These events, often held in public halls and stadiums, feature government officials and guest speakers who impart wisdom and congratulations to the new adults. The young adults, dressed in their finery, often receive small gifts and commemorative items.

Following the formalities, the evening transforms into a festive celebration. The young adults gather in restaurants, izakayas (Japanese pubs), or at home parties with friends and family to mark this pivotal life event. It’s a time of joy, reflection, and anticipation for the future.

Commercialisation and Cultural Evolution

The Coming of Age Day is not just a cultural event; it’s also a significant commercial opportunity. Beauty salons, hotels, and even shrines offer lucrative packages for kimono rentals, hair styling, makeup services, and photography sessions. These can range from modest to extravagant costs, like those seen at the famed Ikuta Shrine in Kobe, where packages can range from ¥40,000 to ¥180,000!

The Future of Coming of Age Day

A notable shift occurred in Japan’s legal landscape with the government’s decision to lower the age of adulthood from 20 to 18 years, effective April 1, 2022. This change reflects a broader move towards aligning with international standards and empowering younger individuals with more autonomy.

However, the legal ages for drinking, smoking, and gambling remain at 20. The voting age was already reduced to 18 in 2016. The implications of this legal shift on Seijin-no-hi are intriguing. With many 18-year-olds still in high school and preoccupied with final exams, there’s a debate whether the Coming of Age Day celebrations should continue to be held at 20. This discussion represents the delicate balance between tradition and the evolving societal landscape in Japan.

Seijin-no-hi: A Mirror of Japanese Society

The Coming of Age Day is more than a mere tradition; it’s a reflection of Japan’s cultural heartbeat. It encapsulates the values, changes, and challenges of Japanese society. As Japan strides into the future, Seijin-no-hi remains a cherished celebration, symbolizing not just the transition of individuals into adulthood, but also the continual evolution of Japanese culture itself.