成人式(せいじんしき)

成人式(せいじんしき) is a ceremony celebrating young people reaching adulthood. It is one of Japan's most visible cultural traditions.

DATE:
Held on 成人(せいじん)の日(ひ) (Coming of Age Day), the second Monday of January.

ATTIRE:

• Women: 振袖(ふりそで) (long-sleeved kimono) — the most iconic image of the day
• Men: スーツ or 袴(はかま) (traditional hakama)

WHAT HAPPENS:
地方(ちほう)自治体(じちたい) (local governments) organize ceremonies with speeches. Afterwards, groups of friends often gather for reunions with former classmates.

AGE CHANGE:
In 2022, the legal age of adulthood was lowered from 20 to 18, but most municipalities still hold ceremonies for those turning 20, sometimes renamed 二十歳(はたち)のつどい.