Coming of Age Day in Japan

When is Coming of Age Day in Japan?

Coming of Age Day in Japan is on January 13, 2025. It falls on Monday.

How many days until Coming of Age Day in Japan?

There are 289 Days left until Coming of Age Day in Japan.

Is Coming of Age Day a public holiday in Japan?

Coming of Age Day or known as ‘Seijin no Hi’ in Japan is a national holiday observed annually every second Monday of January. This is a special day to honor and congratulate those young adults who have reached the country’s age of maturity. Twenty is regarded as the specific age for a young individual in Japan to officially join the Japanese society as an adult. On this day, many businesses like shops, supermarkets, restaurants, tourist attractions and many others, remain open for the convenience of the public.

Origin of Coming of Age Day

Cultures vary with regards to how people celebrate the Coming of Age Day. The specific age and day at which this event was celebrated differs from one country to another. Some countries may held this event for their youngsters who reached the age of 21, 19, 18 or even less. In contrast, Japan’s Coming of Age Day is intended for those young Japanese who turned 20 the previous year or will be turning 20 in between April 2 of the preceding year and April 1 of the current year. This day is sometimes called the ‘Adults Day’ and marks the beginning of adulthood for the young Japanese.

Coming of Age Ceremonies

It is said that Coming of Age Ceremonies or commonly known as ‘Seijin Shiki’ by the Japanese language have actually been observed as early as 714 CE in Japan. It was just on a later time though, on 1948 to be exact, that the said ceremonies have been established into a holiday. The holiday was then celebrated every 15th of January of every year. Nonetheless, way back 2000, since Japan has a Happy Monday System (set of modifications to Japanese law to move a number of public holidays to Mondays, similar to the Uniform Monday Holiday Act in the US), the date of the holiday was altered and it was made to occur every second Monday of January instead. Since that year up until present, the holiday falls on the same day every year.

Decline in Attendance of the Coming of Age Ceremonies: On recent studies in Japan, fewer youngsters attend the Coming of Age Ceremonies. A number of factors causing such decrease have been stated and some of these include the ff.: low birth rate in the country, increase number of youngsters who are in no hurry to become adults, and the costly amounts of dresses needed for the celebration. These factors actually raised concerns among the older Japanese people. Compared in 1976 wherein 2.76 million adults had attended the ceremonies, in the recent years, the number of attendees have gradually decreased. In fact, in 2012, the survey shows that only 1.22 million young adults were able to attend the ceremony. Because of this, back in 2018, Japan has decided to lower the age of adulthood from 20 to 18 instead. Such change would take effect by year 2022.


Coming of Age Day Traditions in Japan

One of the popular holidays in Japan is the Coming of Age Day. In celebration to this day, Coming of Age Ceremonies (Seijin Shiki) are observed all across the country. These ceremonies are hosted by the local governments and public organizations and are usually held at local city offices and other official centers. The attendees invited to these ceremonies are the young adults of Japan who recently turned 20 or will be turning 20 (in between April 2 of the prev. year to April 1 of the current one). Hence, people tend to gather together to join the celebration on this day.

Reaching the age of 20 is a significant part on the life of every young Japanese since this is the point of transition from them being a child to officially becoming an adult. Several things are finally unlocked for them to legally enjoy such as: being able to drink alcohol, legal smoking, driving, gambling, and even having the freedom of going to host/hostess bars. However, along with these newfound liberties are also the responsibilities one is expected to carry as part of the Japanese adults’ society.

Coming of Age Day Ceremony

A major highlight on this day is the extravagant appearances and clothes worn by the attendees of the ceremonies. The attendees follow a specific dress code. While women in the Western countries wear debutante gowns once in their lifetime, the women in Japan likely to dress in the same fashion during the celebration of the Coming of Age Day.

Furisode, Traditional Clothes for Japanese Women

Japanese women usually wear a ‘furisode’, a type of kimono that has long sleeves. Since this type of clothes are a bit complicated to put on, the ladies would prepare early in the morning and have some people help them dress up, at the same time, help them have their hair and make-up done. It is said that a furisode would cost around 1 million yen (which is around $10,000 USD). Considering how expensive it is, most of the female attendees would either rent out these clothes from rental shops or just borrow from their family members or relatives who owned such fancy dresses. Those who can probably afford would purchase one just for this ceremony.

Hakama, Traditional Clothes for Japanese Men

Japanese men, on the other hand, doesn’t necessarily need to put on the traditional clothes. Although some of them would still wear the traditional male kimono called ‘hakama’, majority of them would often wear the western-type of clothes (suit & tie).

Many people are drawn to join the celebration of Coming of Age Day in Japan since the attendees are definitely a sight to behold. The event usually starts at 11:30am throughout the country. Important figures like the City Mayor himself and other relevant people would normally give out speeches to congratulate and welcome the youth to adulthood. Presents are also prepared to be given to the attendees. In addition, a lot of photos are also expected to be taken given the fact of how everyone is extravagantly dressed up. Some of the most popular Coming of Age Ceremonies are those held in Tokyo, specifically in Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Nakano Ward Offices. The places mentioned are usually covered by the media during the celebration.

Live Music and Performances

There are quite a number of festivities observed on this day as well. Street performers are found everywhere and there are even live music or performances arranged for the people to enjoy. While others may take part on these activities, there are also those who would go for a shrine visit to pray once the formalities are over. Other Japanese also prefer to have some after-parties and continue the celebration at home. Food and drinks are served among family members, relatives, and friends. Some of the treats served are mini-cakes, Japanese snacks (ex. Sake Kit Kats, Otona no Amasa Kit Kats, and Japanese Kit Kats Party Box), and the Izakaya-Inspired snacks, which is famous in Japan when food and drinks are served during a celebration.

Dates of Observance for Coming of Age Day
Year Date Day Holiday
2025 January 13 Monday Coming of Age Day
2026 January 12 Monday Coming of Age Day
2027 January 11 Monday Coming of Age Day
2028 January 10 Monday Coming of Age Day
2029 January 08 Monday Coming of Age Day
2030 January 14 Monday Coming of Age Day
Upcoming Japan Holidays
Holiday Date
Showa Day April 29, 2024
Constitution Day May 03, 2024
Greenery Day May 04, 2024
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