Coming of Age Day 2026 in Japan

Coming of Age Day, or Seijin no Hi, is a national holiday celebrated on the second Monday of January to honor those who have turned 20. It marks their official entry into adulthood with ceremonies, traditional attire, and family gatherings.

Coming of Age Day: A Public Holiday?

Coming of Age Day (Seijin no Hi) is a public holiday in Japan, with schools and most offices closed as communities hold ceremonies to honor young adults who have turned 20.

Coming of Age Day

Coming of Age Day, or Seijin no Hi, is a Japanese holiday dedicated to celebrating young people who have turned 20, the age of legal adulthood. The tradition of recognizing adulthood has roots in ancient ceremonies like genpuku for boys and mogi for girls, which were held in samurai and noble families during the Heian period. These rituals marked the moment a young person was considered mature and responsible in society. Over time, these practices evolved to become more inclusive and symbolic across all social classes.

In 1948, Coming of Age Day was officially established as a national holiday to recognize and encourage young adults stepping into society with new rights and responsibilities. Originally celebrated on January 15, the date was moved to the second Monday of January in 2000 as part of Japan's Happy Monday system, which created more long weekends. Today, the holiday honors adulthood while encouraging personal growth, civic responsibility, and pride in becoming a contributing member of society.

Observance of Coming of Age Day in Japan

Coming of Age Day is celebrated across Japan with formal ceremonies organized by local governments. These events are held in city halls, community centers, or cultural venues and invite all residents who turned 20 in the past year. Young women typically wear beautiful furisode kimonos, while many young men choose formal suits or traditional hakama. The ceremonies include speeches from local leaders and messages of encouragement for the future. These gatherings are both proud and emotional, often shared with family and friends.

After the official ceremony, many young adults spend the rest of the day celebrating with classmates and family members. Photo sessions, reunions, and special meals are common. It is also a time for reflection, as turning 20 grants the right to vote, drink alcohol, and take on more responsibility in society. Families often use this day to express pride and share advice as their children transition into adulthood. For the young adults, it is a time to celebrate both freedom and responsibility.

Coming of Age Day is more than just a celebration of a birthday—it is a cultural rite of passage. It reminds both the individual and society of the value of maturity, community, and personal growth. Even in modern Japan, where social roles are evolving, Seijin no Hi remains an important tradition that highlights the beginning of adult life with beauty, respect, and hope.

Coming of Age Day Observances