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.