On the second Monday of January every year in Japan, it is celebrated as Coming of Age Day. This year, it fell on Monday, January 13th. In Japanese tradition, turning 20 years old marks the entry into adulthood, and from Coming of Age Day onwards, these young men and women are officially considered adults, expected to independently face life, as well as take on social responsibilities and obligations.
On this day, young men and women who have reached the age of 20 dress up in beautiful and elegant traditional attire to participate in official or community-organized ceremonies and various celebratory events. These activities include receiving blessings, listening to advice from elders, exchanging gifts, taking commemorative photos, and then visiting temples and shrines to make wishes for their adult life. According to reports, this ritual, which originated from the Tang Dynasty, has become an important traditional holiday in Japan.
In preparation for the once-in-a-lifetime Coming of Age ceremony, these young men and women dress to impress. Young men wear suits or kimono, while the girls pay more attention to styling themselves. They often have their kimono, accessories, and hair ornaments custom-made or rented well in advance, make appointments at beauty salons and photo studios, eagerly awaiting the grand ceremony.
At this time, when Japanese girls in colorful kimono walk around, they become the center of attention wherever they go, with tourists eager to take photos with them for keepsakes. Due to the cold weather, when they go out to attend the ceremonies, they wrap their kimono with white fur decorations, walking in groups with small, delicate Japanese steps along the streets, each one becoming a striking and beautiful sight.