Adulthood Day

Adulthood day is actually like the official day where one can start drinking alcohol and vote and anyone turning 20 between April 2nd the previous year and April 1st this year is entitle to celebrate it.  Also known as coming of age day, this is a Public holiday.

Different culture has different age for this milestone and generally it is 18 or 21.  To the Japanese this is a very important milestone because this one is a legal one.  While for others in different country, at the age of 16 one can drive and 18, you can get drafted and vote and also marry without parental consent and to be legally tried as an adult.  But for some places only at 21, you can drink alcohol.

As a japanese, you are considered an adult when you reach 20 yrs of age and what does one do when you reach adulthood and how does the japanese celebrate it.  Well.. many of these japanese will take part in ceremonies at the city halls, temples and even at the Tokyo Disneyland.  The gals are dressed up in colorful kimono and the men are dressed up in suits or tuxedos.  On this auspicious occassion, you see many of these pretty gals, all walking around in their finest.  I was very lucky to witness this occassion during my stay in Tokyo.

I hear from a co-worker in Japan that, it is quite a tedious event for those involved in the day’s event.  For example before the day arrives, the parents of the 20 yrs old will make reservation to have their hair and make up done professionally and photo taken.  In April, Japan can still be very cold, but the girls can only wear their kimono and some flurry stuff to keep them warm… while they go about their activiities. I guess the only consolation for these to be adults is to be able to meet with old friends.. and to drink.

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