No Hi
With mass media exposure, Seijin no hi continuously gets bigger each year with more memorable experiences such as holding their ceremonies in places such as Kamogawa Sea work or Tokyo Disneyland. Most coming of age ceremonies are a private event spent with friends and family celebrating you, but in Japan the coming-of-age celebration is considered a national holiday called Seijin no hi for, those who turned 20 or in recent years 18, in between April 2 of the prior year or April 1 st in the current year. Showing Japan’s long history and expectations for adulthood, Seijin no Hi dates back to the Heian Period from 794 to 1185 with the Genpuku ceremony honoring young people as they become adults. Young men and women wear special colorful and detailed clothes. Men often wear formal hakama pants. The clothes are colorful and detailed. They reflect individual style and the happy feeling of the day. Woman may choose to be donned in tradition-
Photo Credit: Nice Print Photography & Weddings
al Fursode, a very expensive komono that is commonly past through generations, hair decorations, and traditional zoli sandals, the new adults flock to local government buildings to listen to speeches from government officials or sometimes celebrities giving their congratulations. Families of the participates watch as those participating hear wise and helpful words It makes people feel part of their community and share the same values, helping everyone feel part of one group which is very core of Japanese culture. The ceremony also gives individuals time to think about their roles in society and what is expected of adults. Through sharing this experience, those participating are reminded how their lives are connected and how important
it is to help their communities in good ways. After the ceremony, a community gathering with food and fun allows everyone; friends, family, and reunited past classmates to celebrate the day. With mass media exposure, Seijin no hi continuously gets bigger each year with more memorable experiences such as holding their ceremonies in places such as Kamogawa Sea work or Tokyo Disneyland. While many just take part in just the ceremony aspect of the festivity, there are many ways to celebrate such as visiting a shrine to wish for great health, fortune, and prosperity in their future or visiting hometowns to reconnect with former classmates to commemorate their new acknowledged adulthood rejoicing throughout the night. - Joann Mendez
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