Is the city filled with kimonos? The mystery of "Coming of Age Day" and furisode

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Have you ever seen Japanese streets suddenly overflowing with colorful kimonos on the second Monday of January?
It is Coming of Age Day, a national holiday that celebrates young people in Japan becoming adults.
The day was as glamorous as a scene from a movie. Why do they wear such special costumes? And how much do those beautiful kimonos cost?
A comprehensive guide to the secrets of Japan's "coming of age day," which foreigners find puzzling.

The History of Coming-of-Age Day: From Samurai Ceremonies to the Present

In Japan, ceremonies have been held since ancient times to mark a child's transition into adulthood. In the samurai era, there was a ceremony called "Genpuku" where men would change their hairstyle and receive an adult name.
The modern "Coming of Age Day" is a national holiday established in 1948, and is a day to celebrate young people becoming aware of their adulthood and striving to survive on their own.
Currently, the legal age of adulthood in Japan has been lowered to 18 years old. However, in many municipalities, the Coming-of-Age Ceremony is held for 20-year-olds, as tradition dictates, since 18-year-olds would be taking university entrance exams and job hunting at the same time.
Therefore, on this day, 20It has become established as a celebration of the 100th birthday.

★ Check it out here!

• Date: Second Monday of January (national holiday)
• Purpose: To celebrate the beginning of young people throughout society
• Costume: Women wear "furisode (Furisode"), and men wear suits and hakama (Hakama)

Coming of Age Day3Highlights

1. "Furisode (FurisodeThe beauty and shocking price of

On this day, the long-sleeved kimono worn by many women is called "furisode."
This is the most prestigious kimono, considered the "first formal attire for unmarried women," and its long sleeves are meant to ward off evil spirits and bring happiness and good fortune.

Wondering what the price is?

In fact, this furisode is very expensive.

• Rental: Average 100,000 to 300,000 yen
• Purchase: Average price: 300,000 yen to 1,000,000 yen or more

Spending this much money for just one day is an expression of the love parents have for their children and the joy of seeing them grow.

2. A unique Coming of Age Ceremony held in a surprising location!

It is usually held in a civic hall, but there are some areas in Japan where the ceremony is held in surprising locations.

• Urayasu City, Chiba Prefecture:

The Coming of Age Ceremony will be held at Tokyo Disneyland. It's a dreamlike ceremony where Mickey Mouse and his friends celebrate the new adults.

• Kamogawa City, Chiba Prefecture:

It will be held at Kamogawa Sea World, where sea lions and other marine animals will be there to celebrate.

There are various coming-of-age ceremonies held all over the country, such as:

3. Party at the "Class Reunion" in the evening!

The night after the ceremony may be the real event for young people.
They often change from their furisode into dresses or casual clothes and hold "class reunions" at izakayas or restaurants.
Over drinks with old friends who I haven't seen in a while, we chat about old times. …. This is how young people in Japan really enjoy Coming of Age Day.

How to enjoy Coming of Age Day from a foreigner's perspective

Let's go to the shrine's photo spots

Before or after the ceremony, many young people visit shrines with their families and friends.
Meiji Shrine and Asakusa in Tokyo, and Heian Shrine in Kyoto are some of the best spots to see beautiful kimonos.
In areas where it snows, the contrast between the snowy scenery and the vibrant kimonos is breathtakingly beautiful.

What if you want to take a photo?

It's so beautiful you might want to take a photo.
There's no problem taking pictures of the scenery from a distance, but if you want to take a photo of an individual, be sure to ask.
It's a special occasion for them too, so if you ask politely, they will often be happy to oblige.

Advice and etiquette

• Let's say "Congratulations"

If you make eye contact with a young person in a kimono on the street, try saying "Omedeto (Congratulations)."I'm sure you'll get a beautiful smile back.

• Do not obstruct traffic

Long-sleeved furisode and unfamiliar sandals (Zori) is difficult to walk. Please be kind and watch over them, such as by giving way at stations and on the roads.

summary

Coming of Age Day is a once-in-a-lifetime event for young people in Japan, and also a day to reaffirm family ties.
Their beautifully dressed appearance represents the future of Japan.
if1If you're in Japan this month, be sure to head out into the city and experience the vibrant and happy atmosphere of this "Japanese celebration."