Coming-of-Age Day in Japan is a once-in-a-lifetime celebration—
a special moment when young adults step into their new stage of life, often dressed in a beautiful furisode kimono.
The excitement of wearing this long-sleeved kimono is unforgettable, yet many people feel uncertain as the day approaches.
“Which furisode should I choose?”
“Why is the dressing time so important?”
“What if I make a mistake with the etiquette?”
It’s natural to have these worries.
This guide explains everything in a clear and friendly way:
what Coming-of-Age Day is, where the tradition comes from, the cultural meaning behind the ceremony, why the furisode is worn, regional differences in attire, and the essential etiquette to keep in mind on the big day.
Coming-of-Age Day in Japan:Its Meaning and Historical Background
Coming-of-Age Day marks an important milestone—the moment a young person takes their first step into adulthood.
Its roots go back to an ancient rite of passage called genpuku,
a ceremony in which one adopted new clothing and appearance to signify entering society as an adult.
Dressing in formal, elegant attire today carries the same spirit.
It is a day to recognize your own growth and to reflect on the gratitude you feel toward the people who have supported you along the way.
Origins and Historical Background
The origins of Japan’s coming-of-age customs trace back to the genpuku ceremony of the Nara period (8th century).
For boys, this rite involved adopting the hairstyle and clothing of an adult.
By changing their appearance, they were formally recognized as full members of society.
This usually took place between the ages of 12 and 16—much earlier than adulthood today.
Girls underwent a different ceremony called mogi, in which they wore a long, trailing garment called a mo for the first time.
This rite usually occurred in their early teens.
Their hair and attire were styled in the manner of adult women, marking their transition into adulthood.
This tradition was especially common among noble families during the Heian period.
In ancient times, these ceremonies symbolized “entering adulthood by adopting the appearance and responsibilities of an adult.”
Although the outward forms have changed over the centuries, the underlying idea remains the same:
important milestones are celebrated through special, formal attire.
Modern Coming-of-Age Day continues this tradition.
Even as styles evolve with each era, the Japanese custom of honoring significant life moments through clothing has stayed remarkably consistent.
The desire to present oneself beautifully on a celebratory day is a cultural value that has been cherished for generations.
The Meaning of ‘Kan’—Coming of Age in Japan’s Four Major Ceremonies
In Japan, there is a traditional concept called kankonsōsai—the “four major life ceremonies.”
These represent the most important milestones in a person’s life.
Kan（冠）: Celebratory rites marking growth or passage into a new stage of life, such as the ancient genpuku, modern Coming-of-Age Day, Shichi-Go-San, and school entrance or graduation ceremonies.
Kon（婚）: Weddings.
Sō（葬）: Funerals and mourning rituals.
Sai（祭）: Memorial services and ancestral rites.
Among these four, Coming-of-Age Day is the most significant form of Kan.
It is regarded as a highly formal rite of passage—one that recognizes a person as an adult and acknowledges their new social responsibilities.
In this sense, it is one of the most important and dignified transitions in Japanese life.
How the Modern Coming-of-Age Ceremony Began
Modern Coming-of-Age ceremonies began to be held nationwide after “Coming-of-Age Day” was officially established in 1948.
The origin of this celebration is said to be the Youth Festival held in 1946 in Warabi City, Saitama Prefecture.
This event was created to encourage young people in the difficult years immediately after World War II.
Although many attendees at the time wore simple national uniforms or work trousers (monpe),
the ceremony carried a strong message of hope for the generation who would shape Japan’s future.
It is remembered today as the starting point of the modern Coming-of-Age ceremony.
Even though the tradition has continued since the postwar era, several aspects have changed over time.
Changes in the Date
Originally, Coming-of-Age Day was a fixed national holiday on January 15.
Today, it falls on the second Monday of January, meaning the date changes each year.
In addition, some municipalities hold the ceremony in different seasons—during long holidays such as Obon or Golden Week, or in more comfortable weather—to make attendance easier.
Changes in the Age and the Ceremony’s Name
Although Japan legally lowered the age of adulthood to 18, most municipalities continue to hold the ceremony for 20-year-olds.
For this reason, some communities have changed the name from Seijin-shiki (Coming-of-Age Ceremony) to titles such as “Hatachi no Tsudoi” (Gathering for Twenty-Year-Olds).
In these cases, the traditional term “Coming-of-Age Ceremony” may no longer be used officially.
Unique Local Styles: How Coming-of-Age Ceremonies Differ Across Japan
Coming-of-Age ceremonies in Japan vary widely from region to region,
each offering its own unique charm and creating unforgettable memories for participants.
Here are some of the most distinctive and heartwarming local styles—
ceremonies so unique that you might even wish you could join them yourself!
| Area | Example of Unique Ceremony | Description |
|---|---|---|
 Urayasu, Chiba | Held at Tokyo Disneyland | Mickey and friends celebrate with the new adults—one of the highest attendance rates, creating a magical ceremony in the “Kingdom of Dreams.” |
 Kamogawa, Chiba | Held at Kamogawa Sea World | Beluga whales join the celebration, offering a memorable experience unique to an aquarium setting. |
 Osaka City | “Harukas Walk Coming-of-Age Ceremony” at Abeno Harukas | Participants climb 1,637 steps of a skyscraper—an energetic way to feel the “first step into adulthood.” |
 Okinawa | Traditional tug-of-war or underwater ceremonies | Strongly rooted in local culture. These open-air, tropical traditions offer a truly special island experience. |
 Kyoto Prefecture | Archery ritual (Tōshiya) at Sanjūsangen-dō | Participants shoot arrows in formal Japanese attire—a dignified ceremony reflecting deep traditional beauty. |
 Snowy Regions (Niigata, Aomori, Akita, etc.) | Held during Golden Week or Obon | To avoid heavy snowfall and allow easier travel home, ceremonies are moved to warmer seasons so everyone can gather. |
 Hokkaido | Held amid snowy landscapes | The contrast of vibrant furisode against pure white snow creates a stunning and photogenic celebration. |
Essential Etiquette for Coming-of-Age Day
Coming-of-Age Day is a special occasion—a joyful chance to reunite with old friends,
and at the same time, a meaningful moment to recognize your new role as an adult.
It’s a day you’ll want to enjoy comfortably while also being considerate of the people around you.
Here are some key points to keep in mind for the ceremony.
How to Behave During the Ceremony
During the ceremony, you’ll hear speeches from the mayor or local officials,
as well as a representative of the new adults.
It’s important to listen quietly and keep your phone on silent mode.
Save conversations with friends—no matter how excited you are to see them again—
for after the ceremony has ended.
About the Attire
Coming-of-Age Day is a formal occasion.
Whether you choose a furisode, hakama, a suit, or a dress,
it’s best to wear something that feels polished and appropriate—
formal enough for the ceremony, without being overly stiff.
Select an outfit that reflects who you are,
while still honoring the significance of this important milestone.
Outfits for After-Parties and Reunions
After the ceremony, many communities hold reunions or dinner gatherings.
Because the atmosphere can vary depending on the venue,
it’s best to choose an outfit that suits the place and setting.
| Venue | Recommended Outfit |
|---|---|
| Hotel | Formal dresses or elegant one-piece outfits |
| Restaurant | Polished dresses or coordinated sets (smart casual) |
| Izakaya (Casual Pub) | Neat casual clothing is perfectly fine |
Some venues have a dress code, so it’s a good idea to check in advance for peace of mind.
You don’t need to be overly formal,
but being mindful of proper manners and appropriate attire for such an important milestone
will help you feel more comfortable and confident throughout the day.
With a little care in both preparation and how you spend the day,
your Coming-of-Age celebration can become a truly memorable experience.
Top 3 Things to Know to Avoid Regrets on Coming-of-Age Day
Coming-of-Age Day is an important milestone in life,
and if preparations fall behind, the days leading up to it can become more hectic than expected.
Here are three key points to keep in mind so you can avoid regrets
and enjoy a beautifully prepared furisode look that truly satisfies you.
1.Consider Wearing a Furisode with an Open Mind
There is no strict dress code for Coming-of-Age Day,
but the furisode remains the most popular choice for its beauty and elegance.
To avoid regrets:
There are only a few chances in life to wear a furisode.
Many people later say, “I wish I had worn one after all.”
To prevent this, it’s worth keeping the option open instead of dismissing it too early.
Simply considering it once can make a big difference.
Choosing wisely:
There are two main paths when selecting a furisode:
inheriting your mother’s kimono—often called a “Mother’s Furisode (Mama-furi)”—
or renting a modern design.
Understanding the benefits of each will help you find the perfect one for your style and budget.
【For those considering a Mother’s Furisode】
Wearing your mother’s cherished furisode is a meaningful choice, combining sentiment and individuality.
It allows you to enjoy a high-quality kimono while keeping costs down.
To prepare confidently, we also explain key points to check in advance—such as size, stains, and accessory compatibility.
【For those considering a new or rental furisode】
Rental furisode collections feature the latest trends and offer a wide range of styles,
often at a much lower cost than purchasing one.
By comparing different rental services,
you can greatly increase your chances of finding a beautiful, high-quality furisode
that fits both your taste and your budget.
2.Find a Furisode That Truly Suits You
Your “favorites” and what actually “suits you” are not always the same.
By valuing your personal taste and understanding the colors and patterns that flatter you,
you’re much more likely to feel satisfied with your choice.
Start by deciding on the overall image you want.
Whether it’s classic, cute, retro, or modern,
having a clear direction makes choosing a furisode much easier and far less overwhelming.
How to Find Colors That Suit You
| Skin Tone | Recommended Colors |
|---|---|
| Warm, light yellow-toned skin | Coral pink, ivory, warm browns and greens |
| Fair skin with a cool, translucent look | Wisteria purple, light blue, lavender, soft blue tones |
| Tan or sun-kissed skin | Deep blue, indigo, black, vivid primary colors |
How to Choose Patterns That Suit Your Body Type
| Body Type / Height | Recommended Design | Key Points |
|---|---|---|
| Petite height | Soft colors and smaller patterns | Creates balance and prevents the design from overwhelming the figure. |
| Taller height | Bold colors and larger patterns | Enhances presence and allows for a striking, dynamic look. |
| Slender build | Warm colors and horizontally expanding designs | Adds softness and helps create a fuller, gentle impression. |
| Curvier build | Cool colors and designs with diagonal or vertical lines | Gives a sleek, refined silhouette and a sophisticated appearance. |
These are only general guidelines.
Trying on different styles yourself is the best way to discover the furisode that truly feels like “you.”
3.Capture Your Best Memories with a Pre-Shoot Photo Session
The day of the ceremony can be surprisingly busy,
and some people find they don’t have enough time for formal photography.
Why a pre-shoot is recommended:
Because wearing a furisode is not something you do every day,
a relaxed pre-shoot photo session allows you to avoid the stress and rush of the actual day.
Many studios begin offering pre-shoots as early as spring,
giving you plenty of time and energy to take photos you’re truly satisfied with.
You can capture your furisode beautifully—before tanning and seasonal changes affect your look.
If you can’t attend the ceremony:
Even if you’re unable to join the official event,
photo studios that rent furisode for photography sessions provide
a cost-effective way to create memorable keepsakes.
Simply having photos taken in a furisode becomes a lifelong, cherished memory.
Summary
Coming-of-Age Day is a meaningful celebration that marks your first steps into adulthood.
Many people choose to wear a furisode because it is a special outfit—one they cannot wear often—and they wish to greet this milestone in a truly memorable way.
If you’re unsure about what to wear, keeping the furisode as an option may lead you to a style that feels uniquely yours.
Preparing for the ceremony becomes much easier when you start gathering information early.
The time you spend choosing your furisode and planning your photo session will become part of the memories, too.
Find the style that suits you best, and welcome your celebratory day with confidence and satisfaction.
