Seijin no hi (Coming of Age Day)
Today is Seijin no hi, or coming of age day in Japan. It is held annually on the second Monday of January. It is a Japanese national holiday which honors young people who have reached, or who will reach, the age of 20 during the current year. Age 20 is considered adult in Japan, and it is minimum legal age for voting, drinking, and smoking.
Local governments usually have a ceremony known as a seijin shiki (adult ceremony) to honor the "new adults". Government officials give speeches, and help them realize that they have become adult.
A lot of women celebrate this day by wearing Furisode kimono.
Most women cannot put on Furisode by themselves, so they go to a beauty salon to dress and set their hair.
Aren't they pretty?
Coming of Age Day / Dick Thomas Johnson
Men usually wear business suits or Hakama.
What is the age that is considered adult in your country? Is there a special ceremony?
Comment
Finland's legal age for drinking, smoking and driving a car is 18.
It is a shame I couldnt celebrate Seijin no hi... I will be 20 this year... :/ Another event that I regret not to be able to celebrate!
Posted by: Paula Hallikainen | 2011/01/10 08:24