For many people, "coming of age" is a very important milestone, as it grants us the right to do things we couldn't experience as minors. At the same time, "coming of age" also means we must take greater responsibility for our future actions.For young people in Japan, coming of age is a particularly special event in life. When young people in Japan turn 20, there are grand celebrations, and cities and towns across the country hold ceremonies for local "new adults." In addition, the second Monday of January is designated as "Coming of Age Day" in Japan. Below, we will introduce various facts about coming of age in Japan,so let's take a look at how Japan celebrates "coming of age" and what it means to become an adult!
About Coming of Age
The legal age of adulthood in Japan is 20, and for young people in Japan, coming of age holds great significance. Japanese people must be 20 years old to drink alcohol or smoke, and in Japanese society, drinking has a special meaning as a symbol of becoming a member of adult society. Drinking is very common in Japan, and many people see it as a way to socialize and connect with others. In recent years, this culture has gradually changed, with fewer social gatherings and young people drinking less than before, but most Japanese people still consider coming of age a major life event. Before 2015, Japanese people had to wait until 20 to vote, but now the voting age has been lowered to 18. In addition, coming of age includes other meanings, such as being able to sign contracts without parental consent and participate in horse racing and other events. "Coming of age" means young people have become independent adults!
When is Coming of Age Day in 2026?
January 12, 2025 (Monday) is Coming of Age Day in Japan. This is a public holiday in Japan, and most companies are closed on this day.
Coming of Age Ceremony
On "Coming of Age Day" every year, Japan holds coming of age ceremonies, and local governments invite "new adults" to participate. Most young people choose to attend the ceremony held in their hometown, using the opportunity to catch up with friends from elementary and junior high school. Many people also hold reunions and go out for a drink after the ceremony.
The "Coming of Age Ceremony" is usually held at a local public hall, but the venue may vary depending on the region. In some places, the ceremony is held at special locations, such as the Coming of Age Ceremony in Urayasu City, Chiba Prefecture, which takes place at Tokyo Disney Resort!The mayor and representatives of the "new adults" give speeches at the ceremony, and sometimes there are dance and music performances as well. In addition, most regions present commemorative gifts to the "new adults."
Girls Wear Special Kimono to the Ceremony
The most special aspect of "Coming of Age Day" is that girls wear a special kimono called "furisode" to the ceremony. For unmarried women, the furisode is considered the most formal attire, and its gorgeous long sleeves leave a lasting impression.
To participate in the Coming-of-Age Ceremony, most people choose to rent or purchase a furisode. A basic furisode usually costs between 100,000 and 150,000 yen, and those with special designs are even more expensive. Even if you choose to rent, the price is often not much different from buying one outright, and high-end furisode can even cost over 1,000,000 yen! In addition, some women wear furisode or kimono passed down from their grandmothers or mothers.
On the day of the ceremony, women participating in the Coming-of-Age Ceremony usually go to a beauty salon first, where professionals help them put on kimono and do their makeup. Most men wear suits, but some also attend in men's kimono called "hakama." If you happen to be traveling in Japan during Coming-of-Age Day, you might have the chance to see women in beautiful, traditional furisode all around the country!
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