Coming of Age Day

Coming of Age Day (Seijin no Hi) is a Japanese national holiday held on the second Monday of January each year, honoring individuals who have turned or will turn 20 years old during the current school year. The age of majority in Japan was lowered from 20 to 18 in April 2022, but the holiday continues to celebrate those who reached 20 in the previous year, with many local ceremonies still focusing on 20-year-olds. The roots of the celebration trace back to ancient coming-of-age rites (genpuku for boys and mogi for girls) in the Nara period, where young people were formally recognized as adults and allowed to marry and serve in the military. Modern Coming of Age Day was officially established in 1948, partly as a way to give young people a sense of responsibility and integration into society after the war. The holiday has evolved to include formal ceremonies organized by local municipalities, where new adults gather in halls or community centers to hear speeches from officials and receive small gifts or certificates. In 2026, the holiday falls on January 12, and while legal adulthood has shifted, the cultural importance of this milestone remains deeply rooted in Japanese society, symbolizing the transition from youth to full participation in civic life, including the right to vote, drink alcohol, and smoke.

On Coming of Age Day, young people dress in traditional formal attire for the ceremonies. Young women often wear beautiful furisode (long-sleeved kimono) with elaborate patterns and brightly colored obi sashes, paired with zori sandals and a haori coat in cold weather. Young men typically wear dark suits or, less commonly, male kimono called hakama and haori. After the official ceremonies, which often include speeches by local leaders and a commemorative gift, the newly minted adults gather with friends and family for celebrations. Common activities include visiting shrines to pray for good fortune, having celebratory meals at restaurants, and taking photographs in their formal wear at scenic locations. Some groups organize after-parties or reunions, and it is customary for friends to present each other with small gifts or flowers. Traditional foods associated with the day vary, but many families enjoy a special meal at home or go out for sushi, with the young person drinking sake for the first time legally. The standard greeting is 'Omedetou gozaimasu' (Congratulations), often preceded by 'Seijin no Hi omedetou gozaimasu' (Happy Coming of Age Day). The holiday is also a time for reflection on responsibilities, with many new adults registering to vote or applying for a driver’s license as part of their new adult status.