Coming of Age Day, also known as Seijin no Hi in Japan, is a national holiday in Japan that is held on the second Monday of January. It is a day that is set aside to celebrate young people who have reached the age of majority, which in Japan is 20 years old. In 2023, the celebration would be observed on 9 January 2023.
Significance of Coming-of-Age Day
On Coming-of-Age Day, young people who have turned 20 in the previous year are recognized and celebrated as they transition into adulthood. They are often given gifts and well wishes by family and friends, and many participate in ceremonies and other events to mark the occasion.
In Japan, Coming of Age Day is a time for young people to reflect on their past and look toward their future as adults. It is also a time for the wider community to recognize and celebrate the contributions and potential of young people as they take their place as full members of society.
History of Coming of Age Day
Coming-of-age ceremonies have been celebrated in Japan since at least 714 CE, during the reign of Empress Genmei when a young prince donned new robes and a hairstyle to mark his passage into adulthood. The holiday was first established in 1948, to be held every year on 15 January. In 2000, as a result of the Happy Monday System, Coming of Age Day was changed to the second Monday in January.
The holiday has its roots in ancient Japan when young people were considered to have reached adulthood at the age of 15. In 1948, the age of the majority was raised to 20, and the holiday was moved to its current date to coincide with this change.
Over the years, Coming-of-Age Day has evolved into a widely celebrated holiday in Japan, with young people participating in ceremonies and other events to mark the occasion. It is a time for them to reflect on their past and look towards their future as adults, and for the wider community to recognize and celebrate the contributions and potential of young people as they take their place as full members of society.
Japan lowered the age of adulthood in 2018 from 20 years of age to 18 which take effect in 2022.