Coming of Age day

Today, Monday January 9th, is the day all young men and women in Japan turn twenty years old. Well, not quite. But if your twentieth birthday occurs anytime during 2006, then officially, today is the day you can celebrate being an adult. It is called 'Seejin no hi', or Coming of Age day.

I photographed this young woman in Tokyo in mid-December, trying on her Coming of Age day kimono.

Traditionally, on the second Monday in January, young men and women would dress in kimonos, and go down to the local shrine to make a prayer, and celebrate this day. These days, less people seem to be doing this. Now it seems that it is becoming popular to attend a special function at the local city hall to celebrate this day, rather than the shrine. Tonight on the television news I even saw a huge function for Coming of Age day that was held in Tokyo Disneyland, with a stage show of Mickey and Minnie, and dancers. Another form of religion, I suppose. Also these days the young men are in the minority at these functions, and usually wear modern suits, rather than traditional dress.

Young woman celebrating today at Saga shrine with her mother and grandmother, and standing with the 'year of the dog' statue, still wearing its New Year garland.

But young women are still wearing kimonos  to this function, which I enjoy seeing, as they look very beautiful in dressed up like this. And many still go to the shrine, and many are accompanied by their parents and grandparents, celebrating this very important day in their life in the traditional manner. 

Comments

[Romar Armas]

I requested something like this from Ozray's thread on DPR. Thanks for the pics. Those Kimonos are quite lovely.

[Ray Kinnane]

I went to the shrine quite early, but there were very few kimonos about. I hope that the shrine visits on coming of age day are not going to disappear. Wearing kimonos is on the way back, though, which is great. You see it with young people at weddings, especially.

Ray Kinnane

[marlof]

Over here we also have the global Disney/McDonalds culture, but many people return to the typical Dutch aspects of life as well. Isn't it great that old traditions return in younger generations?

[Higuma]

Hi there Ray... Very nice write up on this aspect of Japanese culture...

Seejin no hi is still VERY widely practiced here in Hokkaido with mass gatherings of some very pretty young ladies and - usually - their mothers...

The largest difference is that up here in Hokkaido - because of the cold winter weather - the Kimonos worn are augmented with large fur collars or fur half-jackets... Some of these are quite elaborate and expensive - meaning silver fox and wolf..

Thanks again... keep up the hard work..

[Ray Kinnane]

Thanks, Higuma. I was really surprised that there were so few young people at the Saga shrine. The City Hall down here had a big party for them on Sunday, and I noticed on the News the same thing happening in Osaka and Tokyo. A bit sad, I think. Glad to see that it is sill observed traditionally in Hokkaidi. I don't think Japan can afford to lose its traditions.

The girls down here often wear a fur collar, or stole, too. But it is usually small, and mainly decorative, and would not afford much protection from the weather that you guys get!

Ray Kinnane

[Gordon Williams]

Hi Ray

I saw the link to your site on dpreview. Great stories and images, I have added the rss feed to my collection so I can stay up to date. Great work!

[Ray Kinnane]

Thanks Gordon, I appreciate that. Please enjoy it. And be sure to let me know what you like and dislike (disagree with?) from time to time. Keep me on my toes! I look forward to reading some more comments.

Ray Kinnane

[steve gibbs]

hi, please can you help me?i am doing a project on the iconic female status of japanese women, and seek help with the study.would you be so kind to return mail to me, many thanks steve gibbs teacher of art in coventry, england