In Japan, every second Monday of January is a national holiday to celebrate the 成人の日 Seijin no Hi or Coming of Age Day. Twenty-year-olds don kimonos (female) or suits (male) to welcome adulthood.
It was my first time to experience this as I usually go back home during new year holidays. Tracing back history,
Coming of age ceremonies have been celebrated in Japan since at least 714 AD, when a young prince donned new robes and a hairstyle to mark his passage into adulthood. The holiday was first established in 1948, to be held every year on January 15. In 2000, as a result of the Happy Monday System, Coming of Age Day was changed to the second Monday in January. more here
I and my friends went to Meiji Jingu (Meiji Shrine) to witness the event. Most of the young adults visit the shrine to pray as they celebrate a milestone in their lifetime. So much happiness are painted on their faces.
Since most of the celebrants are with their family, as photographers, we asked permission from the parents if we can take photos of their daughters. Some even requested to their family photos.
Dolls
dolls in kimonos
twenty years in a box world
blessed by winter dawn
echoes of wooden sandals
Some of them manage to take their own photos. We have to thank social media and smart phones for it. Selfies.
However, there was a notable decrease in attendance. And this is becoming a concern to older generation.
Japan's low birth rate and shrinking percentage of young people, coupled with disruptions to some ceremonies in recent years (such as an incident in Naha in 2002, when drunken Japanese youths tried to disrupt the festivities) and a general increase in the number of 20-year-olds who do not feel themselves to be adults have led to decreased attendance of the ceremonies, which has caused some concern among older Japanese. more here
It is one of the unique celebrations I've seen in the world. And I hope the 20 year olds of the next generations will not take for granted the tradition.
おめでとうございます
Welcome to adulthood!
/totomai
2015/01/18
What a beautiful post Totomai...full of joy as adulthood should be
ReplyDeleteWish I can be a young adult again haha. Thanks Jae
DeleteI think you are - your photos shine of youth!
DeleteI really enjoyed the way you described this tradition, Totomai. It does sound like a very old-fashioned tradition, but I feel as you do...hoping it will continue into the future. I think it is good to embrace the past. I could see the looks of delight and pride on the faces of the young women. "Echoes of wooden sandals, dancing dolls in kimonos" expresses very well the sense of history. And YOUR photos were, as always, wonderful!
ReplyDeleteThanks Mary. I am not sure if young men were there as I can only see the young women in kimonos. Well, the females are easier to spot because of the kimonos. Yeah, how I wish the tradition continues.
Deletedolls in kimonos...held in the box 20 years....nice capture of the the tradition...i love the garb...and think that the colors and even additions of the fur and such is an interesting modern touch to the traditional outfits....coming of age in any culture is a huge crossroads....wonderful pics totomai
ReplyDeletei asked about the fur, they told me it's part of the kimono used during winter.
DeleteApparently we humans need landmarks and rituals. They help us shape who we become. Without traditions, we are lost. I love the words you used in your poem as they seem to connect the photos and event to tradition.
ReplyDeleteabsolutely true. these traditions are factors of establishing our identities.
Deletethey do look like dolls... lovely and colorful... thanks for sharing this cultural piece
ReplyDeletemy pleasure. it was my first time to take part and would love to go again if even a chance
Delete-Impressions of color and light of loose and of tight, old and new, and transitions-
ReplyDeletewhat an exciting post.! It looks like a celebration of self, and also like a fashion show.
I like the combination of poem and history, so that the laughing dolls from teh boxes are set free.
the long awaited freedom. these girls deserve it. i heard that they started going the salon early as 3 am to have their kimonos, hair and make-up fixed
DeleteHow interesting to witness and be part of the celebration ~ I specially love the women in kimonos & wooden sandals ~ Your notes are very educational ~ Thanks for sharing your journey with us Kababayan ~
ReplyDeletemy pleasure kabayan :) they absolutely are beautiful in kimonos :)
DeleteSuch beautiful photos and the words to capture the essence of the ceremony.
ReplyDeleteThanks Kerry :)
DeleteFirst of all the pictures are amazing.. I especially love the picture of them taking selfies..they are dolls indeed.. and that echo of the past into the future.. the decline in birth rate is a problem in so many places...
ReplyDeletemust be because of the economic situation thus the decline of birthrate. their parents were very happy after showing the selfie pic :)
Deleteoh wow... that is a cool celebration... love the colorful kimonos as well and the tradition and modernity in the one shot where they take a selfie - so cool
ReplyDeletet'was like the past meets the present :)
DeleteI so enjoyed this post. As always your photos are so colorful and glorious to look at. Such beautiful young women and kimonos.......love the explanation of the historical event. And your poem is so lovely. I especially loved "blessed by winter dawn". And I could hear those wooden sandals.
ReplyDeletejapanese are not the most religious persons in the world but they know when to pray for blessings and guidance :)
DeletePerhaps many do not want to be part of the adult world yet. I love this ceremony and how the old and new traditions are intermingled. Lovely pictures and verse about these 'dancing dolls'.
ReplyDeletecould be. some wanted to remain as youngsters.
DeleteLovely post Totomai, with luminescent writing and dazzling photos, full of the joy of life - truly uplifting, my friend - thank you... With Best Wishes as ever Scott www.scotthastie.com
ReplyDeletethanks Scott. by the way, enjoyed the photos of Japan you sharec at PU.
DeleteThey really look like dolls, but - with responsibilities for they -adults. Hope next generation will show increase in attendance the ceremony. Cool post!
ReplyDeleteWe all have the same hopes for the tradition
DeleteA butterfly from the cocoon. Beautiful.
ReplyDeleteZQ
flying freely in the garden
Deleteit was a very good opportunity for photographers too. everyone's happy. positive vibes.
ReplyDeleteThe photos definitely stole the show. I really like the one with the iPhone it. It brings the old and the new together. The poem was beautifully written.
ReplyDeleteMerging of generations :)
DeleteGood poem, what a great set of pictures.
ReplyDeleteThanks GL
Deletelovely pictures :)
ReplyDeleteThanks :)
DeleteLovely shots of these young beauties.
ReplyDeleteThey are absolutely beautiful
DeleteComing of age is so special wherever you are but clearly in Japan it is beautiful as well.
ReplyDeleteOne of the many events I am looking forward to witness again
Deleteas usual your photos are stunning. they really do justice to these lovely ladies. :)
ReplyDeletei think such traditions define a culture, and it would be sad if these are eroded away.
thanks for sharing the photos, poem & historical notes.
Thanks DS! It's always good to exchange cultural knowledge to anyone.
DeleteThanks for sharing...
ReplyDeleteVibrant snaps!
I can't stop taking photos. Thanks Loco!
DeleteLovely pictures as always, totomai san!
ReplyDeleteSalamat Mariane
Delete