Coming of Age Day in Japan, known as Seijinshiki, is held every January to recognize young people who have turned twenty and are legally considered adults. Local governments host ceremonies where participants attend in formal attire, often wearing kimono or suits, and listen to speeches about responsibility and civic life. The day marks a clear transition into adulthood and is observed nationwide on the second Monday of January.
When the coming of age ceremony takes place in 2026
In 2026, the ceremony takes place on January 12. Events are usually scheduled for late morning or early afternoon and are organized by local city or ward offices rather than religious institutions. Because of this, Coming of Age day in Japan feels civic and communal, closer to a graduation ceremony than a shrine festival.
Only people who turn twenty during the designated eligibility period receive official invitations, but the atmosphere spreads well beyond the ceremony halls.
What Seijinshiki represents in Japanese society
Turning twenty has long symbolized the threshold of adulthood in Japan. Although the legal age of adulthood was lowered to 18 in 2022, Seijinshiki continues to center on twenty year olds, largely because this remains the legal age for drinking alcohol and smoking.
The ceremony itself is about recognition. Society formally acknowledges that these young adults now carry adult rights, responsibilities, and expectations. Speeches by mayors or local officials often focus on contribution, gratitude, and perseverance, themes that reflect both tradition and modern realities.
For families, the meaning runs deeper. This is often the last clearly defined milestone before life paths begin to diverge into work, marriage, or moving away from home.
How Coming of Age Day is Celebrated in Japan
Coming of Age Day is centered around Seijinshiki ceremonies organized by local governments and held at venues such as city halls and cultural centers. New adults attend in formal clothing, with many women wearing furisode kimono and men wearing suits or traditional hakama. The ceremony typically includes speeches from local officials, messages about social responsibility, and recognition of the transition into adulthood. Afterward, participants gather outside to take photos, meet former classmates, and celebrate privately with family or friends, often continuing the day with meals or small gatherings.
Places to experience the coming of age ceremony
You do not need special access to appreciate this special day. Some of the best places to observe it are completely public.
City halls and ward offices are the main hubs. Nearby parks, plazas, and major train stations often turn into informal photo spots. In Tokyo, areas around Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Asakusa commonly see groups moving between ceremony venues, photo studios, and family gatherings.
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Early afternoon tends to be the best time. By then, official events have ended and the atmosphere becomes more relaxed and celebratory.
Tokyo During Seijinshiki
In Tokyo, Coming of Age Day brings noticeable but localized crowds around city halls and ceremony venues, with trains and buses busier around midday. Hair salons open early to accommodate kimono styling, and taxis are often in short supply in the morning. After ceremonies end, groups in formal attire gather at nearby restaurants and cafes, making the celebration visible across central neighborhoods for the rest of the day.
