成人式

not to mention kissing in public. ^^

(ID #446245) Posted on 2009/01/13 11:12

reply to tick tock's comment

so, why do the women wear those fluffy things?

(ID #446250) Posted on 2009/01/13 11:16

reply to i'm mr. danger's comment

Its *very* cold at this time of year.

(ID #446255) Posted on 2009/01/13 11:17

reply to Danny Choo's comment

oh, I thought it had a cultural meaning for the coming of age event 

(ID #446296) Posted on 2009/01/13 11:31

reply to i'm mr. danger's comment

so thats where sesshoumaru's fluff came from..

(ID #446406) Posted on 2009/01/13 12:44

reply to retsuya's comment

LOL

(ID #446636) Posted on 2009/01/13 17:10

reply to VJick's comment

lol, many of the winter jackets and coats in fashion now (at least, recently in north america, not so new in hongkong and the rest of asia) have this kind of fluff/fake fur on the collar... perhaps sesshomaru was just really in style.

(ID #447408) Posted on 2009/01/14 11:42

reply to Orochi~Shinobi's comment

They look comfy.

(ID #446407) Posted on 2009/01/13 12:44

reply to JChow's comment

Yeah...

(ID #446490) Posted on 2009/01/13 14:23

reply to Monkee's comment

It woulda been nice to attend something like that. T_T

Looks like they had fun.  And for a certain few, a little extra fun. ;)  (Referring to another post for those of you who don't know.)

(ID #446253) Posted on 2009/01/13 11:17

reply to spidr245's comment

me just turned into 23 years old few days ago XD lol. 

Wow, those girls really looks kawaii in those dresses!! XD do want to wear them!!! but the rent is super ex ^^; 

I love her bag lots in the last pic!! >_< pink color!!

(ID #446254) Posted on 2009/01/13 11:17

reply to Lethia's comment

You can't be 37..... you don't look nearly old enough to be that age.... your the same age as Tennant..... I would never have guessed.....

I turn 20 this year. Another 11 months till I do though lol. I want to stay a teenager... though watching Ally McBeal makes me wanna be in my 20's.... even though I know life will never be as quirky as that lol.

(ID #446259) Posted on 2009/01/13 11:19

reply to Meimi132's comment

Oh, you'd be surprised how quirky life gets as you get older... ^^;

(ID #446339) Posted on 2009/01/13 11:58

reply to tenrou's comment

Fluffyness.......


I turned 20 late last year ^__^

(ID #446265) Posted on 2009/01/13 11:20

reply to Daemonseed's comment

i remember reading news articles about guys getting into fights last year.. hope non this year..

and such ceremonies are still on at china and taiwan. i had mine done a few years back when i was 18.. drank "alcohol" to symbolise that we are adults.. =D

(ID #446267) Posted on 2009/01/13 11:21

reply to Tiny Red Man's comment

we've only got thh sweet 16 or the quinceanera. At the tiem i opted for a Sweet 16 but should have gone with the quinceanera instead http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quincea%C3%B1era Acording to Wiki i could have gotten a crown and a sceptor! That would have been awesome to walk around in. Oh adn we do the traditional 21st birthday in vegas! I did a week or so after my birthday, had a blast!

(ID #446285) Posted on 2009/01/13 11:29

reply to Dancing Queen's comment

Quince's sound like so much fun... many say it's just as good as a wedding day. ^^

(ID #446889) Posted on 2009/01/13 23:01

reply to Mimi's comment

You should pretend to be a statue or display when handing things out. Then scare them all of a sudden. Good fun.

(ID #446304) Posted on 2009/01/13 11:33

reply to Hidden Oasis's comment

Wow some of those girls are pretty nice wish we had those kind of festivals here the closet thing we have is Quinceanera and Sweet 16s =/ Quinceaneras are for girls coming of age and are usually huge parties with lots of food, music and drinking their lots of fun to ;D

(ID #446306) Posted on 2009/01/13 11:35

reply to Riz's comment

hmm 20? past 5 years ago-.-
I wish i can try on those kawaii kimono and fur over shoulder?^^

(ID #446312) Posted on 2009/01/13 11:41

reply to hoshi-chan's comment

turning 20 in about another month!!. Wish I could join in on the ceremony tho.. :(

(ID #446315) Posted on 2009/01/13 11:41

reply to Jotham's comment

Danny with that storm trooper armor, you are instantly a chick magnet!

(ID #446323) Posted on 2009/01/13 11:50

reply to Gibson's comment

A curious celebration is the Seijin Shiki... We don`t do nothing special here, you simply "become an adult" when reach 18, and that all. thinking about it, is a very important moment in life, so do something special look good. Anyway, personally I think one person becomes adult when the mind and body mature, so aging 18-20 is only the begining.

You say something really smart, Danny, you can`t see time as an enemy, life is about enjoy your time, not count the time until end. Oh, and I`m 28 now, and proud of it, pal!

(ID #446326) Posted on 2009/01/13 11:52

reply to thefrikking's comment

This is very funny holiday, here you turn 18 and you are already an adult, you can buy drinks and get really drunk at the age of 16. My coming of age seems so long ago xD now

(ID #446327) Posted on 2009/01/13 11:52

reply to CrazyAnimeTuga's comment

Just past 20 last November. We only get to vote and enter casinos(^^;;) and fap legally at 21... so reaching 20's nothing special here.

(ID #446328) Posted on 2009/01/13 11:53

reply to soonkiong's comment

Oh noes! I forgot I will be hatachi this year! and I forgot about  the Seijin no Hi too! I just keep forgetting things like this xD

(ID #446332) Posted on 2009/01/13 11:54

reply to Captain Arepa's comment

maybe i should have flew over since i just turned 20 a bit over a week ago

(ID #446333) Posted on 2009/01/13 11:54

reply to the great paul's comment

Congrats Danny!  You are now beginning a streak of photos in which someone is not touching your dolphin!  :D  (please don't hit me)

I have heard, but not seen, really 'live' images of the coming of age ceremony.  The outfits are quite nice, I like the patterns, very colorful yet at the same time are not too vivid to be obnoxiously loud.

The girls dig the armor.  Empire grows stronger, at this rate, the rebels stand no chance!

(ID #446334) Posted on 2009/01/13 11:56

reply to Len-Vesper's comment

Ah, turning 20...

...

I don't remember it, at all... ^^;;;

I'll be 33 next month.  ^_^

(ID #446347) Posted on 2009/01/13 12:01

reply to tenrou's comment

Do the Japanese have yearly election like in the USA.  Interesting holiday, with we had holidays here where cute girls dress so pretty.

(ID #446358) Posted on 2009/01/13 12:10

reply to NeoRyu's comment

Yearly election?

(ID #446425) Posted on 2009/01/13 13:10

reply to tenrou's comment

USA has elections every four years for presidency... I think every two years for seats?  

(ID #447002) Posted on 2009/01/14 01:40

reply to Len-Vesper's comment

Traditional Japanese Kimono is possibly the most beautiful clothing in the world. 

(ID #446367) Posted on 2009/01/13 12:20

reply to Streetpilot1's comment

Looks like it was a lot of fun Danny!  I wish I could have been there.

I'm currently 23 but will end up being 24 by the end of the year.  Sometimes I feel like I'm so old with not much accomplished or really know what I want to do...Hopefully I'll end up like you Danny and be living me dream in a few years. ^.^v

(ID #446368) Posted on 2009/01/13 12:20

reply to Starコドモ's comment

Ohh looks like so much fun! Can't wait to be 20~ 

Some of the guys are wearing the same jacket that I have... like in the 11th and 13th picture :'O! Maybe it was for guys to wear >.>;

(ID #446369) Posted on 2009/01/13 12:20

reply to Mimi's comment

I turn 21 later this year, but it isn't until now I feel I can catch up on some of my lost years of childhood.  I'm pretty happy right now where I am and where I am heading ^_^

(ID #446371) Posted on 2009/01/13 12:21

reply to Vincent III's comment

I was looking for an article like this after I discovered that some readers were SUPER young. ^^

(ID #446375) Posted on 2009/01/13 12:24

reply to タケル～ン's comment

LOL ^^; some people develop early in life? xD

(ID #446401) Posted on 2009/01/13 12:38

reply to Mimi's comment

Nothing special here - your friends may wish you a particularly happy birthday when you reach 16, or 18 (legal adult), or 19 (drinking age). That's about it.

Is that...a free-for-all wrestling match? I is confused. :S

Also, I give up on the caption. 'Tis bery hard. ^^;

(ID #446377) Posted on 2009/01/13 12:24

reply to litokid's comment

Those Furisode are absolutely beautiful ^^

(ID #446390) Posted on 2009/01/13 12:28

reply to Plasmatdx's comment

Amazing photos, Danny. What a colorful tradition.

(ID #446391) Posted on 2009/01/13 12:28

reply to jinstevens's comment

(Okay, I hope this doesn't end up being double - have been tricked 'coupla times lately)

Nothing special over here - your friends may wish you a particularly happy birthday at 16, 18 (legal adult) or 19 (provincial drinking age) but that's pretty much it.

Is that free-for-all wrestling of some sort? I is very confused.

Also, I give up on the caption. It's quite difficult. ^^;

(ID #446394) Posted on 2009/01/13 12:29

reply to litokid's comment

I want some of the goodies. =(

(ID #446400) Posted on 2009/01/13 12:37

reply to at's comment

Me thinks more pics with guys are needed ^^

(ID #446405) Posted on 2009/01/13 12:41

reply to Yaku's comment

All I remember from 20 years old is packed classrooms, papers and exams...don't really see parties like that here...wish there was...

(ID #446414) Posted on 2009/01/13 12:55

reply to silent1134's comment

Who's the lady at the last pic?  I was thinking 'lovely' lady meant a friend or a model friend :D

(ID #446417) Posted on 2009/01/13 13:00

reply to KeiYo's comment

I'm turning 19 in less than a month. Growing up quickly is NOT something I want.

(ID #446421) Posted on 2009/01/13 13:08

reply to GNdynames's comment

What an interesting celebration~!I turn 18 this year ;A; I'm actually looking forward to it because that means I don't have to keep renewing my work license, haha! :)

(ID #446436) Posted on 2009/01/13 13:21

reply to Faye's comment

The girls are so pretty! *_*
I wonder if we have readers younger than 10 here.  Oh my... :O

(ID #446440) Posted on 2009/01/13 13:23

reply to Coco the Bean's comment

We don't have any celebration like this aorund here. It would be nice to have some!

(ID #446444) Posted on 2009/01/13 13:26

reply to Felipe's comment

Gosh Danny, must be hard for you to be in armour, you won't be able to feel all those fluffiness with all that plastic and metal on. ^^

(ID #446448) Posted on 2009/01/13 13:32

reply to marvin's comment

caption attempt:
image 1: Cheezu!
image 2: "this statue seem so realistic" "wonder why they put an armband on it"
image 3: "darn it Danny, stop pretending to be a statue!"

(ID #446455) Posted on 2009/01/13 13:39

reply to marvin's comment

LOL!

(ID #446495) Posted on 2009/01/13 14:25

reply to WiseFreeman's comment

I finally know what a furisode is! It looks very comfortable being in the middle of a harem.. 

(ID #446459) Posted on 2009/01/13 13:48

reply to azn-n3ss-__-'s comment

I'm going to be 17 in less from a month from now. Wished they would celebrate that here as i would love to try out the Hakama ^^;.

(ID #446467) Posted on 2009/01/13 13:57

reply to Mirage's comment

Image 1: *Gacha*
Image 2: "Wow that armor must be heavy on you!" "How sturdy is that armor anyway?"
Image 3: "Strong enough to protect dolphins".

(ID #446470) Posted on 2009/01/13 14:01

reply to Mirage's comment

Didn't know they had a big coming of age type thing in Japan ^^"  I should visit next summer, I'm turning 20 :P

(ID #446471) Posted on 2009/01/13 14:02

reply to FinalTriggerX's comment

26 and still don't SDV.

(ID #446474) Posted on 2009/01/13 14:03

reply to anonymii's comment

Erika Toda!!!

(ID #446484) Posted on 2009/01/13 14:15

reply to Reditred Jedi's comment

  Those prices for rental are outrageous. What kind of message does this send to the people who don't have the kind of money to acquire such a rental. I see no reason other than a pure desire for profit that these must be that much. I would dress as casually or silly as i could imagine to protest such a foolish custom.

(ID #446486) Posted on 2009/01/13 14:17

reply to Emperor's Hand's comment

Um, simple -- you don't rent them and just wear normal formal attire.

(ID #446670) Posted on 2009/01/13 18:24

reply to Soshi's comment

From danny's post:

Nobody can stop the sands of time and we should not only accept it but see the realities of it earlier rather than later - this way we can start working on the things we want to accomplish before we are 6 foot under or sitting in a jar.

By far that's the best saying that i've seen in my stay here.
Hakama and Lovely ladies = WIN!

(ID #446489) Posted on 2009/01/13 14:22

reply to Lelouch Lamperouge's comment

my cousin did that this year...  Hope she enjoyed it...

(ID #446507) Posted on 2009/01/13 14:30

reply to Barsona's comment

Fluffy Bunnies~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I know about Dousoukai, but never thought they'll have ecchi on the same night ^^;

LOL@ "This guy promises to give up on Tenga and dakimakura."

The Furisode rental is really a good business ^^ For once a year......

(ID #446509) Posted on 2009/01/13 14:32

reply to WiseFreeman's comment

Oh my gosh the furisode are so beautiful . . . 
I think that the guy(s?) wearing the hakama is/are not the most handsome but I consider them 'cool'er because of observing the traditions. I guess Japanese who have seen it frequently would be more impressed with the suit wearing guys with pee-colored hair, but I think the traditional clothing is interesting.

Did anyone notice that in this picture (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dannychoo/3193109328/sizes/o/ ) the building in back says "Dress Black" on it? I found it really funny.

(ID #446514) Posted on 2009/01/13 14:36

reply to Tori Croome's comment

Nice holiday, wished there was something similar here. I turned 20 last summer. 21 in about 4 months.

(ID #446527) Posted on 2009/01/13 14:54

reply to Toxyn's comment

I just turned 20 a couple months ago. I think I am gonna look forward to turning 21 instead of 21, cuz Vegas here I come~  ^_^V

(ID #446530) Posted on 2009/01/13 14:57

reply to kmyk's comment

Caption 1: Wow it's Danny Choo!
Caption 2: OMG Reeallly?; OMG YES It's Danny <3
Caption 3: OMG The real Danny Choo is there!

(ID #446537) Posted on 2009/01/13 15:01

reply to Andrei-kun's comment

I prefer the traditional outfits on the guys, though I won't deny that they look good in the modern suits xD

The girls look so cute~! I especially like the one with the lovely curls~ x3 As for the cost of hire, not really surprising considering the cost of a brand new furisode with all the accessories [obi, under layers etc]. I imagine the parents may save up for this day in order to hire the outfit.

(ID #446546) Posted on 2009/01/13 15:05

reply to Koshiko's comment

It kind of weird seeing the guy with the totally punk hair wearing the Hakama. 

(ID #446552) Posted on 2009/01/13 15:10

reply to thegeek's comment

I be 23...and still single T.T just thought i throw that out there lol 

(ID #446558) Posted on 2009/01/13 15:13

reply to YoShI's comment

uwah, those dresses are so pretty, you got some really good photos!

(ID #446561) Posted on 2009/01/13 15:16

reply to Yashiyama's comment

i spent my 20th birthday in the army i think... sob sob
i spent my 21st birthday sloughing out for the exams. sob sob

hey, danny it sure ain't too late to don a Hakama and celebrate your coming of age. i would love to see that!

(ID #446564) Posted on 2009/01/13 15:19

reply to Pyoro's comment

Image 1
- *Camera snap*
Image 2
- Girl 1: "Thank you Stormtrooper-san, ur so very kind!"
- Girl 2: "You are the best mr. Stormtrooper!"
Image 3
- Naked dude: "Hey, someone get that freekin Stormtrooper! He stole my armor god damnit!"

(ID #446570) Posted on 2009/01/13 15:24

reply to Wolferey's comment

Good idear :D

(ID #446885) Posted on 2009/01/13 22:56

reply to EMîkro's comment

Fascinating article.  Didn't know about this holiday at all.

I'm a male in my 20s btw.

(ID #446577) Posted on 2009/01/13 15:35

reply to punynari's comment

Dang CC Lemon has a giant meeting room. I love that drink! 

I wish we had a coming of age ceremony thing here. Would have loved to done something fancy with all my friends.

(ID #446589) Posted on 2009/01/13 15:54

reply to JamesJoyceYes's comment

Was thinking about heading over to Harajuku yesterday to check this out. But exam today told me no. =) Woulda been funny to run into you again, only in your trooper getup this time. haha.

(ID #446592) Posted on 2009/01/13 15:55

reply to Crux's comment

Love this article, don't know that Japan have coming of age celebration. Beautiful picture as always Danny.

24 and not getting any younger. My coming of age are so boring, can't even remember anything worth mentioning about it. 

(ID #446602) Posted on 2009/01/13 16:11

reply to General Noodles's comment

Lucky you Danny :P Nice review.

(ID #446605) Posted on 2009/01/13 16:15

reply to quicoto's comment

Wonderful pictures as always! The girlies all look absolutely lovely. ^^
Needs more male pics tho~ :3

(ID #446610) Posted on 2009/01/13 16:27

reply to Haseo's comment

Noooooo! I'm in the oldest category ^^; I am literally old enough to be most members father. 47 last weekend. Thing is your view of yourself doesnt change just the face in the mirror. One of the things I like about Japan is that they do celebrate milestones like becoming an adult unlike here in the UK where you just go down the pub and drink till you have to be carried home. Oh that and the extraordinarily beautiful women ^^

(ID #446613) Posted on 2009/01/13 16:33

reply to Old Guy's comment

I'm 10 years younger than you, but I'd still be counted as old around here. Sounds nice, going to the pub with friends. We don't have many good pubs here.

(ID #447090) Posted on 2009/01/14 03:00

reply to pluki7's comment

Here we have high school graduation, which usually happens when people are 18 or are just about to turn 18. Here that is "SDV" age. Same thing as prom, I guess, but at "prom" (that is, in the US) the drinking age is 21 in many places, so maybe is a bit different.

Girls spend thousands on their graduation dresses and guys usually rent a tux. 

(ID #446616) Posted on 2009/01/13 16:36

reply to Calan's comment

HOORAY

that means i should of had just become 'of age'
it's only been a week in so far

(ID #446618) Posted on 2009/01/13 16:38

reply to Cyberchaos's comment

Danny didn't look his age, always thought he's younger. O.o
I had my coming of age when I was 20 and enlisted (aka dragged kicking and screaming) in the army ^^;;

(ID #446619) Posted on 2009/01/13 16:41

reply to Neutrinos's comment

although i wish i can turn back time and be 20 again but recent developments in life make me want to be older right now. ^^;

(ID #446620) Posted on 2009/01/13 16:42

reply to gordon's comment

Great pictures! Lots of color in the 'traditional garments known as Furisode' the girls had on. Not much of a chance any two would have the same one on. I remember when I was 20, but then again, I'd rather forget now! No such deal here with reaching age ceremonies.

Caption 1 : before photo clicks Danny says "Every one say Welcome to the Dark Side."
Caption 2 : girl on Danny's left arm "Did you just make me a Dark Jedi?" girl on Danny's right arm "Oh oh oh oh thats so wonderful! Do I get a Stormtrooper suit or a Jedi Robe now? I cannot wait!"

Caption 3 : Darth Vader steps up and says "Yes yes you all get new robes, after you first dress up and serve me at my Dark Jedi Maid Cafe on my Starship in orbit. 

(ID #446623) Posted on 2009/01/13 16:46

reply to Rusting's comment

I'll be turning 20 in december, and for some reason, I already feel old. Agh, the last year of my "teens" and I'll probably end up getting nothing accomplished. 

(ID #446628) Posted on 2009/01/13 16:50

reply to Koji98's comment

Nice insight. Hope to celebrate my coming of age as hard as I can before i enlist for army.

(ID #446633) Posted on 2009/01/13 17:02

reply to Zeneva's comment

my version someone stole danny costume then
picture 1 : stormtrooper take picture with some girl
picture 2 : this man looks strange the other woman said yes
picture 3 :naked danny : hey stop him he stole my costume 

(ID #446640) Posted on 2009/01/13 17:21

reply to megurineluka's comment

That's neat. I wouldn't spend a lot of money on such a short-lived event though...

Personally turning 19 in about a month from now. Not looking forward to it...

(ID #446650) Posted on 2009/01/13 17:36

reply to NPC's comment

I turn twenty next month. For some reason I feel old though, can't quite put my finger on why.

(ID #446656) Posted on 2009/01/13 17:41

reply to MiniTruk's comment

What a nice event.  It is always fun to dress up nice and feel special for the day.

(ID #446657) Posted on 2009/01/13 17:43

reply to meggie1010's comment

I turn 19 in a few months. My age isn't something I really think about much. 
21 years old is usually the age that people have big parties for, I've never really understood why 21.

(ID #446658) Posted on 2009/01/13 17:46

reply to Stefkov's comment

A similar but not entirely the same celebration over here is when girls turn 18.  for the boys though there's no such thing.

I love looking at the hakama and furisode.  that's also one of the things I like about japan. their beautiful kimonos. ^^

(ID #446659) Posted on 2009/01/13 17:48

reply to BeLe's comment

From where I am there are no celebration for the young adults. We just need to celebrate it with our friends. It's sure nice to have a day like that! Danny you are a lucky one who can take pictures with almost all the girl there.  

(ID #446660) Posted on 2009/01/13 17:57

reply to Shockerz's comment

>_< LOL... "usually along the lines of "you are responsible adults now, stop playing with your dolphin and help out with the declining population. And don't rob banks while you are at it.""

Well nothing here too Singapore. We can smoke and drive a car @ 18 years old...

mostly, the "young adult" celebration = with family.

(ID #446666) Posted on 2009/01/13 18:09

reply to Zh3uS's comment

wish we had something like this in the UK.... but hey, i would quite happily make a special trip just to come to japan and see all the attractive japanese girls looking there finest :)

(ID #446667) Posted on 2009/01/13 18:13

reply to paul-p1988's comment

Me turned 23 last December ^^v.

I was watching yesterday on morning news about this event... Some rabbits were too beautiful :D

(ID #446675) Posted on 2009/01/13 18:28

reply to vincento_py's comment

Just another couple of weeks and I'll be 22... My "I am a responsible adult" celebration was going to my brother's first pro cagefight (which he won)^^

That was a good night.

(ID #446684) Posted on 2009/01/13 18:48

reply to Burford's comment

Furisode is very nice. I always wanna try them out. However, after reading the 150,000 yen rental per day, forget it. 

(ID #446700) Posted on 2009/01/13 19:04

reply to oCHAPPYo's comment

I had to put my captions up, so here goes...

Picture 2. (1st girl) "Hey Storm Trooper. Did you make that smell?"
           (2nd Girl) "You must have a bad leak in your armour"
Picture 3. (Out of View) "Sorry Danny, I had a bad curry last night!"

I'm sorry, but someone had to do it! ^_^

(ID #446712) Posted on 2009/01/13 19:21

reply to England Al's comment

I became 24 on the sixth. I was such a brat when i turned 18, I thought everything was set for me and I blew it. ;-) So, I changed the way I thought about life over the years of rebuilding and finally found myself and looking back of suck "youth" I can only ponder on what kind of choices they would make and how they would live their lives. 

Deep thoughts. In other words, I wish I could have done something like that, but I live as if I was a outcast, and just to be by himself. So my family never celebrated stuff like that for me, more was done for my little brother. Of course we always celebrated other, distant family members more. Like almost every year I would go and celebrate their lives, but pondered in relative solitude. My little family always ended up by itself. Yeah, not much in the celebrate your life type of guy, anyway I would not change one bit. Just live everyday, to the fullest, not just store it up for a big day, but little by little.     

(ID #446715) Posted on 2009/01/13 19:24

reply to NMOtaku's comment

It is not suck "youth", such. Gomen and sorry fro the typo.

(ID #446716) Posted on 2009/01/13 19:26

reply to NMOtaku's comment

ah, you're surprised at how easy it is to get from Shibuya to Harajuku by foot? it's almost like... a walk in the park? :D get it? (lol....)

its nice to see such events, personally i've not been one and missed it by just a few days =*(
near CC lemon hall is the Shibuya city hall i think so gets busy, especially since its so close to yoyogi park =)


interesting to see that you can actually join the Self Defense Forces before the age of 20... i clearly thought it would've been a prerequisite, anyways nice to see that guy enjoying his seijinshiki

(ID #446720) Posted on 2009/01/13 19:35

reply to acq128's comment

Definitely don't do what I did in life.  I spent age 18-25 playing stupid MMO computer games and wasting time.  I'm 2 days away from turning 26 and only now am I going back to school and starting real life.  What a waste of time >< 

(ID #446721) Posted on 2009/01/13 19:37

reply to matto's comment

You can buy a furisode outfit in the New Year sales for about 380,000 yen. However, fashions change so maybe you will get last year's popular colour.

Apart from seijin no hi I don't know if the girls have a lot of chances to wear their furisode. In the UK, tradition at weddings is that the guests should not outshine the bride. Tradition at funerals is of course to wear sombre clothes, and Japan is the same. Summer festivals are too hot to wear the full fig.

The long sleeves (furisode) have a tradition. They are only for unmarried girls. Once married, the wife has to wear only kimono with sleeves half the length -- presumably so she can get on with the housework.

Kimono fabrics are very beautiful. Old ones can be used for a hanging decoration, or cut up and used for cloth art such as quilt making.

It is nice to see some of the men in hakama. I would like to try such an outfit but I am afraid to look like a stupid gaijin.

(ID #446722) Posted on 2009/01/13 19:37

reply to Kilkrazy's comment

I was working at that day, so I couldn't go. >_>
must go next year... no matter what...

(ID #446724) Posted on 2009/01/13 19:44

reply to dans's comment

Well there's no official coming-of-age thing in Britain or in any other western country I can think of, but everyone still celebrates it, though. I mean, there's no widely recognised formula for celebration when you do things like pass your driving test but people will still do their own personal celebration. As somebody said, when they get to 21 they're going to go to Vegas to celebrate because then they're old enough to gamble there. Most people will celebrate turning 18 by going out and getting really drunk because it's the first time they could (legally) do so - at least in the UK. 

To be honest, I have a feeling that formal things like that are quite big in Japan because the average Japanese person doesn't have a lot of time for partying in general. They have really long working hours - the longest in the world, I think - and what seems to be a pretty regimented lifestyle, so they need to have organised, national things like this in order to get any partying in at all. In most countries people just do things like that on a whim and don't have to wait for some national holiday to give them an excuse. That said, we still put in extra effort for New Year's Eve and things like that.

(ID #446727) Posted on 2009/01/13 19:46

reply to Teclo's comment

Nice event coverage. Furisode are awesome, full of colors, fur. Must be fun to see all this for real. 
I am 26, turning 27 this year and I don't remember my 20 or 18 years old. In Switerland (SDV at 18), there are no particular celebrations.

(ID #446730) Posted on 2009/01/13 19:49

reply to silin's comment

Whoa...so many cute girls in Sesshoumaru costume ^_^
We don't have festival like that here

(ID #446733) Posted on 2009/01/13 19:57

reply to heat horn's comment

Most people here do hold private celebrations when they hit the magically-turning-into-adult age of 21. But we get to smoke and drink at 18. Voting is only for 21 and above. So far I've seen chalet parties, barbeque parties, or maybe quieter home parties. But I definitely want to attend one like that in Japan. I'm always attracted to girls wearing kimono ^^;

But too bad most likely mine will be tucked in camp nicely while I serve my National Service... Maybe I'll have a missile party. Hmm

(ID #446736) Posted on 2009/01/13 20:04

reply to leefe's comment

hi there

what's the name of the costume worn on pictures 24115

it's like a kimono, is it for a special occasion ?



hehe the fat girl on the first picture reminds me when Goku and Vegeta failed to merge correctly the first time against Boo Boo ^^ hahahahah

(ID #446744) Posted on 2009/01/13 20:17

reply to froggy's comment

It's not funny to make fun of this girl as you do...

For me, she's very cute

(ID #447081) Posted on 2009/01/14 02:49

reply to Louki's comment

How rude...

(ID #447329) Posted on 2009/01/14 09:38

reply to Kenshin_07's comment

Great photos again.

Photo Captions
Pic 2 - girl on right 'What was that?'
        girl on left  'You didn't?

Pic 3 - comrade off shot 'The force is strong in that one.  I would recommend you run before it escapes the armour!'

Gomen, but like England Al, it was what came to mind for a caption.  : )

(ID #446756) Posted on 2009/01/13 20:47

reply to Zombithulhu's comment

Philippines doesn't have a "Coming of Age" day but whenever a girl turns 18 or when a guy turns 21, they held a debut. A grand party where family and friends gather to celebrate and blah blah blah. I don't really like such parties. But I still do go to my friends' debut because of the food and they are almost always held in hotels.

If I were armor, girls will come and take pictures with me? So if I wore a bullet-resistance vest they'll come to me? Well, I guess girls can't resist a man in heavy gear LOL XD

I kinda want to wear that hakama thing myself x_x

(ID #446780) Posted on 2009/01/13 21:09

reply to Sabekuji Kaneda's comment

Being age 20 are doing some jobs and so9me enjoyment...Nice soft cotton on those ladies wear.

(ID #446787) Posted on 2009/01/13 21:15

reply to jowy's comment

Crap! I totally missed this event and have no idea it was a holiday until someone told me about it. I even went to school not knowing it was closed for the day. LULZ! orz

(ID #446788) Posted on 2009/01/13 21:16

reply to LesterHo's comment

I be forever 16. 

The lady in the last photo looks the best to me lol.

(ID #446789) Posted on 2009/01/13 21:16

reply to momentspeace's comment

About that dolphin play, Declining population in Japan is a tricky thing IMO, in one hand I think that Japan is overpopulated (it has 3 times bigger population than Poland with almost the same area) but on the other hand decline in population means more elderly people on retirement and less young people to work and pay for it... 

No celebration with "Coming of age" in my neck of woods. Although 18th birthday (as age of becoming adult in Poland) is celebrated more special than any other. Usually as a big party in a club or restaurant (of course by the people that can afford it). So its more of an individual celebration than a one special day in a year. I also think that hakama looks waaay cooler than suit ^^.

(ID #446790) Posted on 2009/01/13 21:17

reply to Abi-kun's comment

With the price of the Furisode, makes you wonder how the Minami family was able to acquire 3?

(ID #446794) Posted on 2009/01/13 21:22

reply to dango's comment

Will be 20 in 4 years time. ^^;; 

Well, reaching 20 here is nothing special.

(ID #446845) Posted on 2009/01/13 21:54

reply to lerry[maru]'s comment

another smashin' article with lots o goodness pics!
you're truly amazing Danny! 

woohoo~ so many kawaii shoujo so little time

and Erika Toda CM's FTW!!!

(ID #446847) Posted on 2009/01/13 21:56

reply to duffman's comment

the furisode is sooo nice! 

how is Danny so sure that theres no one under the age of 10 here? ^^;

(ID #446863) Posted on 2009/01/13 22:18

reply to andra's comment

Man, love the hakama outfit! they are the best!!!!!

(ID #446864) Posted on 2009/01/13 22:19

reply to Roddy's comment

Why C.C.Lemon, and not in a park or temple? is CCLemon a reference spot in tokyo?

(ID #446865) Posted on 2009/01/13 22:22

reply to Roddy's comment

im quarter century old.
Theres no such festival in malaysia.

hmm.. japanese idol

(ID #446868) Posted on 2009/01/13 22:22

reply to e-jump's comment

Great photos, there were some cute girls =) The Furisode looks great, too. Don't knew that you are an adult with 20 years in Japan. In Germany you are an adult if you turn 18, but some special thing can you do only with 21 years, like driving trucks. It is interesting to see, that the turning to an adult will be celebrated like this ^^ 
I like your quote:"you are responsible adults now, stop playing with your dolphin and help out" - what a word =) 
Japanese culture is great :D

(ID #446877) Posted on 2009/01/13 22:33

reply to EMîkro's comment

A convention of young adults in Furisodes and Hakamas = receipe for matchmake + hook up isn't it. 

(ID #446901) Posted on 2009/01/13 23:14

reply to Alex Peh's comment

My friends say that I think too seriously, which would make age quicker T-T I'm just 19 you know.. Well, it can't be helped serious issues are tackled in my course

(ID #446913) Posted on 2009/01/13 23:26

reply to wildflug's comment

Garr, I meant "serious thinking would make me age quicker"

(ID #446919) Posted on 2009/01/13 23:38

reply to wildflug's comment

Anything special when you become adult....hmm.....you get better presents from you famiy? ^^'
More seriously now, the only diffrence in you becoming adult is a better birthday party then usually and that's it I guess :/

(ID #446936) Posted on 2009/01/13 23:54

reply to Katsuyoshi's comment

I is 15, and I can see that not many is in my age group..

Turning 20 years old here doesn't mean anything, besides more responsibilities..

(ID #446937) Posted on 2009/01/13 23:59

reply to Setsukyie's comment

True..its not many people around the age 15 ^^`

ps; But at least your not the ONLY one ;)

(ID #446988) Posted on 2009/01/14 01:12

reply to Ora-Kun's comment

i'm 23 and still on search for what i want to do in my future ^_^

(ID #446941) Posted on 2009/01/14 00:12

reply to Asuki's comment

was this in shibuya? i was there yesterday.. would have been neat to have seen you in teh storm trooper outfit D:

(ID #446961) Posted on 2009/01/14 00:37

reply to clyde's comment

There are many males here.

Hehe

(ID #446965) Posted on 2009/01/14 00:52

reply to Minaru Chou's comment

I'm turning 18 this year.. Just completed high school around a month back and starting college life which is really hectic.

By the way, the renting price for the furisode is really expensive for a day. It would be reasonable if the price was for a week or so.

(ID #446971) Posted on 2009/01/14 00:56

reply to raptor_cZn's comment

Great pictures! I'm 25, about to turn 26. I know I'm getting into the older part of the age spectrum when it comes to this hobby, but I figure as long as I have a wife that supports it, I'll be fine :)

(ID #447010) Posted on 2009/01/14 01:46

reply to dakotaku's comment

Would be nice to have a celebration as grand as that... No such events happening here...

(ID #447028) Posted on 2009/01/14 02:02

reply to lostandfound's comment

kimonos are so elegant, all of them look great

(ID #447045) Posted on 2009/01/14 02:12

reply to Neberus's comment

This article makes me want to travel back about 7 years so I could be a part of this.   Pretty cool that they have something like this.  

So what would you declare coming of age for americans like myself ?  18 years, 20 years, 21 years ?


18, I think this was the birthday where I was at my aunts hanging with my cousin.  We got take and bake pizza, and I watched the Jim Carey movie  Trueman Show.

20.  No clue what I did.

21.  I went to Chevys (a very americanized mexican restaurant chain) with my Dad and step mom.  We drank a couple pitchers of Midori Margaritas.  (this has pretty much been one of my favorite drinks since! It's like a slurpee that makes you 2x as happy lol)

(ID #447052) Posted on 2009/01/14 02:22

reply to soulfringe's comment

>"you are responsible adults now, stop playing with your dolphin and help out with the declining population. And don't rob banks while you are at it."
That's one hell of a speech:P

(ID #447071) Posted on 2009/01/14 02:44

reply to Harts's comment

Being 37, it seems I'm quite the minority here, heh.

Never too old to rock 'n roll!

(ID #447084) Posted on 2009/01/14 02:52

reply to pluki7's comment

those pics were really cool.I wish there was something a celebration like that where I live.

(ID #447092) Posted on 2009/01/14 03:04

reply to cloudduel_13's comment

Interesting. I didnt know about this tradition. Cool photos !

(ID #447098) Posted on 2009/01/14 03:14

reply to Stéfan's comment

Turned 20 in early 2006.

After my grad in 2008 I still haven't landed a job. What a crisis...

(ID #447102) Posted on 2009/01/14 03:23

reply to SG's comment

Blimey, the outfit the girlie wear si expensive but the do look fantastic. 

No coming of age event in the UK, seems like a good idea. I could wear a kilt.

Looks like the early 20's male make upmost of the reader. Im 25, ive been told the the wrong side of the twenties.

(ID #447103) Posted on 2009/01/14 03:23

reply to RogueTrooper's comment

You and me both buddy, at least we're the right side of the thirties :)

(ID #447132) Posted on 2009/01/14 04:17

reply to Tubbygaijin's comment

If I were a girl I would have a Quinceañera.  But as a boy, when I turned 21, I just went out and got drunk for the first time with some friends.  My father bought my brother and me (twins) our first six pack when he got home from work and we shared it before I left.  It was an interesting day.

(ID #447172) Posted on 2009/01/14 05:56

reply to bobo's comment

When I turned 20, I thought little of it; but then, I had more important concerns on my mind.
Granted, 21 in more often considered the magic age hereabout... not that I really cared much about that either.

Intense college studies have a way of making such things seem remote and frivolous...

(ID #447234) Posted on 2009/01/14 07:53

reply to Phaeton99's comment

Im glad we have the ages for some of that younger here... but smoking is definitely bad for you. very cool though, and the girls were cute ^^

(ID #447240) Posted on 2009/01/14 07:56

reply to Nino's comment

hmm guess we americans have 2 coming of age days.. 18.. right to vote, smoke (spent it in marine bootcamp.... yeah..) and 21.. age of drink... don't remember to much of that day.. all i remember is something white and cool against my forhead after i purged myself...:D

just turned 30 myself.. but no regrets.. :D

(ID #447247) Posted on 2009/01/14 08:06

reply to bolt's comment

i wouldn't mind ever-20

(ID #447259) Posted on 2009/01/14 08:19

reply to MasterSkirtChaser's comment

I hit 33 this summer.  I didn't have a big celebration for any of my birthdays.  Sometimes I regret it, sometimes I don't.

(ID #447365) Posted on 2009/01/14 10:48

reply to FMPhoenixHawk's comment

Woah Danny! What a great day you had! you're blessed man, I check every picture and I can tell you have a really good time.
Until now I didn't knew about this celebration in Japan, thank you for sharing all this happy moments, with nice ladies but those guys look a little crazy hahahah. 
The pic where you are "helping" the staff is what I liked the most.
Greetings.

(ID #447412) Posted on 2009/01/14 12:07

reply to pedropinilla's comment

I'm not sure if I would choose a hakama or a suit. The hakama is unique and carries great cultural significance, but you can't turn down a good suit.

(ID #447414) Posted on 2009/01/14 12:12

reply to uncreative's comment

They all look happy, to become adults.  Soon, they will learn to hate it, like I'm doing right now!!!

(ID #447416) Posted on 2009/01/14 12:14

reply to Akiba-Kid's comment

Koreans kind of celebrate this thing too if I'm not wrong.. get tons of money from your parents, relatives and friends :P

Just tried the caption...
http://img73.imageshack.us/img73/3372/3193119368997bcf7367omz9.jpg
http://img235.imageshack.us/img235/65/319311981878a9c11d72oedfu6.jpg
http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/8959/319312027620bf1a0784oedna1.jpg

(ID #447419) Posted on 2009/01/14 12:24

reply to kona.kona's comment

looking at the poll results i'm not one bit surprised at all from the composition of the readers here...*cough* sausagefest ...haha

(ID #447428) Posted on 2009/01/14 12:37

reply to Gundam00's comment

Those traditional wear look very complicated to wear, but very nice ^^.
3 more month im turning to 23 years old.

(ID #447512) Posted on 2009/01/14 14:40

reply to notfair's comment

Oh! Oh! Teh girlz were FI-HI-HINE!

(ID #447538) Posted on 2009/01/14 15:15

reply to Gen Lo's comment

Hmmm...Interesting. When I was in Japan, I was underaged and bought booze without being asked for ID. This makes me wonder, how much of the things you are now legally allowed to do (drinking and smoking) were actually enforced? In NYC, the bars are pretty strict about carding since if there's underage drinking going on, they lose their license. Same with the liquor stores.

(ID #447579) Posted on 2009/01/14 16:26

reply to tails's comment

Various aspects of 'morality' that the Americans are obsessed with, are treated fairly casually by the Japanese.

They recently introduced an ID card scheme to prevent young people buying cigarettes out of vending machines. Perhaps they could put the same thing on booze vending machines.

My wife used to smoke, drink and have sex before her age of majority, according to what she told me.

(ID #448304) Posted on 2009/01/15 06:41

reply to Kilkrazy's comment

you become an adult when your 20!?!?!?!

(ID #447607) Posted on 2009/01/14 16:59

reply to darth nacho's comment

Gotta happen sometime, unfortunately!

(ID #448309) Posted on 2009/01/15 06:53

reply to Kilkrazy's comment

awesome pics danny!
whats that in your hand in the last picture? looks like some plasma grenade.

(ID #447769) Posted on 2009/01/14 20:31

reply to CMWilly's comment

Caption 1) Cameraman: Ladies, how many times have you seen a dolphin? 
Caption 2) Girl 1: What's wrong Mr. Trooper? Girl 2: Why aren't you moving? 
Caption 3) Japanese Boys: The 'on' switch is down below. TAP IT! 

(ID #447770) Posted on 2009/01/14 20:35

reply to FatBastard's comment

Coincidentally, my birthday is January 12. Unfortunately, I'm one year short and I don't live in Japan. XD;; And I'll be one day short of being 20 during next year's seijin shiki.

I wonder though... are gaijin allowed to participate there?

(ID #447772) Posted on 2009/01/14 20:49

reply to Judi's comment

beautiful pictures and a wonderful quotation from your life danny... as i recall nothing special really great when i turned 20. it just made me ponder even more on how or where am i suppose to go after or how im supposed to make my way in this crazy world. sigh...

(ID #447819) Posted on 2009/01/14 22:13

reply to Mark Anyoni's comment

Very nice pictures! I kinda like that fluff on the furisode too... makes it look somewhat glamorous on some. ^^;

And I is 16! 

(ID #447827) Posted on 2009/01/14 22:35

reply to Zarn's comment

The guy in white next to you looks like he'll be an "oyabun" someday...

(ID #447835) Posted on 2009/01/14 22:49

reply to R-1's comment

Lol, good thing that we don't have something like that over here at this time of year, we could never dress in nice looking clothes like that, we'd freeze! Currently -36 C with the wind chill!

(ID #448079) Posted on 2009/01/15 02:43

reply to mavadotar's comment

Wow, looks like you were the star of the show!

(ID #448214) Posted on 2009/01/15 04:55

reply to RoodyPooUS's comment

The only "Storm Trooper" among the ladies

(ID #448294) Posted on 2009/01/15 06:13

reply to MAsia's comment

ahhh coming of age...the day they give up prostitution and search for salaryman.
a sad day

(ID #448299) Posted on 2009/01/15 06:28

reply to substrom's comment

0h n0ez! Guy promises to give up on tenga and dakimura! uh blasphemy.

(ID #448525) Posted on 2009/01/15 10:42

reply to (Re-ACT)'s comment

Good thing sex starts at 12.  ;-)

(ID #448581) Posted on 2009/01/15 11:15

reply to Gradius's comment

Aside from the spiffy images, I am pretty sure this day used to be on a set day.  Forget what was the day.  The 20th?

Oh.  I'm somewhat old.  I tell people that I'm forever 17.  Ha ha ha!

(ID #448760) Posted on 2009/01/15 13:32

reply to 聖者's comment

I'm still in the lowest category since I don't turn 16 until July. XD

(ID #448798) Posted on 2009/01/15 14:05

reply to Spirit Rubi's comment

Didnt really realise how many events there were in japan, i think its wonderful celebrating alot of different things, especially being 18 or 20 when one can do pretty much want they want hah :3 

Cant say the same thing over here and in korea tho. ^^;

(ID #449148) Posted on 2009/01/15 21:30

reply to haste's comment

awww..... here in canada, we do not have such a HUGE event. Once you turn 19 (legal age) nothing happens. Your just...... in a Legal age. 

(ID #449204) Posted on 2009/01/15 22:36

reply to JossUrbiz's comment

You can legally buy booze when you're 19. Although anyone that would do that would have been illegally doing so for a while.

(ID #449427) Posted on 2009/01/16 02:13

reply to GNdynames's comment

Great pic's with many beautiful girls in nice outfit's. In Poland we don't have such big celebration's, when you end 18 years you become adult .

(ID #449304) Posted on 2009/01/15 23:58

reply to Paliodor's comment

The guys in hakama look so cool~ OH! *has good idea* ... *will have boyfriend forced into his hakama again*
The furisode look beautiful, shame they are so expensive.. pretty~

About the poll... turning 20 in four months ;_; want to stay in my teen years...

(ID #449586) Posted on 2009/01/16 05:04

reply to Maha chan's comment

19-22 aged males in the lead. No wonder Im one of them.

(ID #450105) Posted on 2009/01/16 12:45

reply to Johny's comment

Omoshiroi :D

(ID #451125) Posted on 2009/01/17 07:11

reply to Yuuichi's comment

turned 16 on christmas day of 08. I srsly need to get a job. driver's ed set and ready to go ^_^b

(ID #452242) Posted on 2009/01/18 06:06

reply to AZU's comment

dude, "I" need to get a job, Im depressed.

(ID #462751) Posted on 2009/01/26 14:22

reply to Johny's comment

Almost 18 is me. That's pretty much the special age. After that graduation is celebrated a lot around here too. Hmm...maybe instead of the traditional cap+gown for graduation I should just wear a hakama.....

(ID #452320) Posted on 2009/01/18 08:07

reply to Arisato-Kun's comment

YES 19-22 doods Unite! We could take over...yeah idk we could do something cool right?!

(ID #452652) Posted on 2009/01/18 15:42

reply to Toravisu M's comment

are their makeups thick? It gives me that kinda feeling though. :(

(ID #454088) Posted on 2009/01/19 21:48

reply to depressant's comment

my eyes were burned. one chick wearing colourful kimono is ok, but this is too much.
after the fifth picture they did look like clones. goodness me, Attack of the Clones =)))
don't like events like this, when everybody should get dressed the same way and act stupid.

(ID #458072) Posted on 2009/01/23 04:25

reply to Iahel's comment

What the f**k Danny?  How did I not see you there?  I was wearing a turquoise furisode and gold obi.  Oh yeah, and I'm white, pretty hard to miss.  :p  When were you there?  Before/after or both?

(ID #470382) Posted on 2009/02/01 15:54

reply to kynapple's comment

turn 19 this March, and I'll never stop buying anime and stuffs XD

(ID #492869) Posted on 2009/02/17 16:06

reply to yamada's comment

This is why I so love Japan.

(ID #506760) Posted on 2009/03/03 07:01

reply to Asian Panty Lover's comment

OMG all that cute girls o.O *nosebleed*

But hell, it must be as my Japanese friends say... that Japanese Boys need hours to style their hair ^^'

(ID #513788) Posted on 2009/03/08 20:53

reply to luki's comment

Why does that POLL end at 41+, WTF! what about 50+ or 60+????

I've got news for you dolts (said lovingly) if you're 16 now, you will be 40 some day IF YOU ARE LUCY ENOUGH TO LIVE THAT LONG.  And when you get there, the difference between your prime at 25 and your age of 40+ will only be a state of mind.  But you'll see, plenty of young snots will call 40 old.  LOL - it's not.  Plenty of athletes and actors in their 40's making a killing world wide.  40's are the new 20's kiddos. 

Most people don't hit the successful stride of life until 40+.

Good luck, we'll see who makes it among you all, life is cruel and unpredictable.  (BTW - 7 of my former classmates didn't make it to 40+, you'll see what I mean as time goes by - survival is not a given - muahahahhahaha)

(ID #520544) Posted on 2009/03/13 23:52

reply to Jackzilla!'s comment

It's my BDAY TODAY!!!! I'm 28 and about to go Party my ass off tonight! Yippie!!!!! LOL first I have a long long day in the office to sit through :(

(ID #623869) Posted on 2009/05/28 11:54

reply to geminibkk's comment