The second Monday of January is a big day in Japan. That’s because it’s “Coming of Age Day” — the day young people are welcomed to adulthood. Ceremonies are held nationwide for people celebrating, and as for everyone else, it’s a welcome day off!

Most cultures have some sort of coming of age rituals, making this a good conversation topic for students anywhere.

So let’s go over some basic facts about this holiday as well as relevant vocabulary (bolded) we can introduce to our students.

What Does It Mean To “Come of Age”?

In Japan, 20 is the age at which people officially become adults. This means they can legally drink, smoke, gamble and until recently vote, marry without parental consent, and apply for credit cards and loans. (The latter few activities can now be carried out at age 18.)

• What do you think about the fact that the age for voting and marrying is younger than the drinking age? 
• (For students outside Japan) In your country, at what age do people officially become adults? What rights do you have as legal adults?

But as you can imagine, coming of age is not simply a legal affair. It is a turning point — the moment when one leaves childhood behind to enter adulthood, with all the responsibilities that follow.

• To you, what does it mean to become an adult? At what age do you think you became one?
• What are some responsibilities that adults have which children don’t?
• Which age do you think better reflects the start of adulthood: 18 or 20 or some other age? 
• At 20, many Japanese are still in university and being supported by their parents. Do you think they really become an adult then?

Coming of Age Ceremonies

A unique aspect of coming of age rituals in Japan is the local government ceremonies. On the morning of the holiday, young Japanese who turn 20 (or will turn 20) in the current school year head to official ceremonies, normally held in auditoriums at government offices or gymnasiums.

• Do people celebrate their 20th birthdays separately from Coming of Age day?
• Why do you think the government hosts coming of age ceremonies in Japan? (Hint: These celebrations started shortly after the Second World War.)

Cities that have special facilities like amusement parks or aquariums may choose to host their ceremonies there. For example, Urayasu, the city in which DisneyLand is located, has its ceremony there.

At the ceremony, attendees watch performances, listen to speeches about what it means to be an adult, and also get some memorabilia.

• Where is your local coming of age ceremony held?
• Where do you think is the most ideal place to have a coming of age ceremony?
• How was your coming of age ceremony? Were there any special events held back then?
• What kinds of memorabilia do people get?
• What kinds of performances are there?

However, the biggest highlight of the day is the clothing. While young men mainly wear suits and ties, most young women put on elaborate long-sleeved kimonos. 

In some families, daughters wear the same kimono their mother wore to her Coming of Age ceremony. However, as these kimonos are quite expensive, not everyone owns one, so many women choose to rent.

• Tell me about the kimonos worn on Coming of Age Day! 
• What’s special about a long-sleeved kimono? Does it keep you warm or something?
• How much does it cost to buy a long-sleeved kimono?
• Do you put on a kimono yourself? Or do you get a professional to do it?
• (For women) Would you wear the same kimono that your mother wore to her Coming of Age ceremony? 
• (For men) Do you prefer wearing a suit or traditional Japanese clothing, such as the hakama?

Other Festivities

Of course, the festivities don’t end with the ones hosted by the government!  

After the ceremonies (and endless photoshoots), many new adults head to class reunions and banquets, where they have their first legal drink with friends and classmates. Some also go drinking with their parents.

• What do people do at their class reunions? Do they have these reunions with classmates from high school, middle school, or elementary school?
• Do these celebrations ever get out of hand?
• Do you drink with your parents?

Lastly, Japanese people visit shrines and temples during major milestones in their lives, and coming of age is no exception. 

👋 That’s it for now!

We hope this article has given you some ideas for your next conversation with your students. Happy tutoring!