成人式 – Seijin Shiki

“Seijin no Hi” or “Coming of Age Day” is a national holiday celebrated on the second Monday in January with a ceremony called “seijin-shiki.” Since April 1, 2022 the Japanese government has lowered the age of adulthood from 20 to 18. However, there are still certain rights and responsibilities you cannot assume until you turn 20. (See my 成人 post for details.) For many decades, the coming-of-age ceremony was traditionally held at age 20, and most areas continue this practice. Some regions have renamed the ceremony from “seijin-shiki” or “coming-of-age ceremony” to “hatachi no tsudoi” or “20-year-old gathering.”