Seijin no Hi: Unlocking Japan’s Coming of Age Rituals
If you visit Japan in early January, shortly after the New Year’s festivities have quieted down, you might witness a spectacular explosion of color on the city streets. Young women in dazzling, long-sleeved kimonos and young men in hakama or sharp suits gather in droves. This is Seijin no Hi (Coming of Age Day), a momentous holiday dedicated to welcoming the nation’s youth into adulthood.
While the day is famous for its fashion and reunions, it is rooted in deep historical traditions known as the Seijin-no-Chigiri (The Coming of Age Pledge). This rite of passage represents more than just a birthday; it is a spiritual and societal contract marking the transition from the dependency of childhood to the responsibilities of a contributing member of society.
The Origins: From Genpuku to National Holiday
While Seijin no Hi was officially established as a national holiday in 1948 to encourage the youth of post-war Japan, its roots stretch back over a millennium.
Historically, coming-of-age rituals were individual affairs determined by family status rather than a specific age. For the samurai class and aristocracy during the Nara and Heian periods (710–1185 AD), boys underwent a ceremony called Genpuku. usually between the ages of 11 and 17. During Genpuku, a boy would adopt an adult hairstyle, receive a new adult name, and wear adult clothing for the first time.
For women, the equivalent ritual was known as Mogi. Young noblewomen would don their first adult kimono and darken their teeth (a practice known as ohaguro), signifying their marriageability and maturity. These ancient rites were solemn family pledges—a chigiri—where the individual vowed honor to their lineage.
Legend and Spiritual Significance
The concept of the “pledge” or Chigiri in Japanese culture is often tied to Shinto beliefs. In ancient folklore, children were considered “children of the gods” (kami no ko) until the age of seven. As they grew, various rites were performed to anchor their spirits to the human world.
The Coming of Age ritual is viewed through a spiritual lens as the final acceptance of the individual by the Ujigami (the local guardian deity). By participating in these rituals, the young adult is no longer protected solely by their parents but is now spiritually accountable for their own actions.
Though not a specific myth, the reverence for reaching maturity is echoed in texts like the Nihon Shoki, where the maturation of princes and the assumption of duties were treated with celestial gravity. The Seijin-no-Chigiri is, therefore, a modern echo of this ancient pact: a promise to the gods and the community to uphold the harmony (wa) of society.
Modern Culture: Furisode and Formalities
Today, Seijin no Hi is celebrated on the second Monday of January. It honors those who have turned or will turn 20 years old during the current school year (April 2nd of the previous year to April 1st of the current year).
The Ceremony (Seijin-shiki)
Local municipalities host official ceremonies called Seijin-shiki. Ideally, the mayor gives a speech about responsibility, followed by a representative of the new adults making a pledge. However, for many participants, the ceremony is secondary to the reunion. It is often the first time these young people have seen their elementary and junior high school classmates in years.
The Fashion
The most iconic aspect of the day is the attire. Women wear Furisode, a specific type of kimono with long, swinging sleeves. Historically, the long sleeves were used to wave away evil spirits and to flirt; today, they signify that the woman is unmarried and an adult. These outfits can cost thousands of dollars, so many families rent them or pass them down through generations.
Note on the Legal Age: In April 2022, Japan lowered the legal age of adulthood from 20 to 18. However, most municipalities have decided to keep the Coming of Age ceremonies focused on 20-year-olds. This is largely because 18-year-olds are busy with university entrance exams and job hunting, making age 20 a better time for celebration.
Traveler’s Tips: Experiencing the Day
For tourists, Seijin no Hi offers one of the best opportunities for cultural photography.
- Where to Go: Major shrines are the best viewing spots. Meiji Jingu in Tokyo, Fushimi Inari in Kyoto, or Tsurugaoka Hachimangu in Kamakura are hotspots where new adults go to pray after their ceremonies.
- Photography Etiquette: While the atmosphere is festive and many young people are happy to have their photos taken, always ask for permission first. A simple “Shashin o totte mo ii desu ka?” (May I take a photo?) goes a long way.
- Weather: January is the coldest month in Japan. If you plan to wait at a shrine to watch the procession of kimonos, dress warmly.
- Date: Remember, it falls on the second Monday of January. Government offices and banks will be closed, but restaurants and shops remain open.
Sources & Further Reading
To deepen your understanding of the historical covenants and rituals mentioned, the following texts and resources are recommended:
- The Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters): For understanding the Shinto perspective on lineage and maturation.
- The Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan): Offers historical accounts of imperial rites of passage.
- Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan: For current laws regarding the age of adulthood and holiday origins.
- Genpuku Rituals: Historical archives regarding samurai class traditions.