Seijin Shiki
Yesterday was a public holiday known as "Seijin no Hi" [成人の日] or "Coming of age day" where those who have turned 20 are declared adults meaning they can now do SDV (Smoke, Drink and Vote).
In the past, the coming of age day was celebrated only among samurai families - for boys it was between 12 - 16 and for girls it was between 12 - 14((Wikipedia).
Went with writer and art director comrade Andrew Lee (who took these pics) out n about to look for fluffy rabbits - and we found many.
Starting off with a few pics of my fave girls - one to the top right of this pic.
Very sweet. Gorgeous curly hair.
Another sweet fluffy rabbit to my left.
The coming of age day is held on the second Monday of January. The Shin Seijin [新成人] or "New Adults" would gather at the local ward office and listen to some pep talk given by the governing authorities - 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."
Some of the New Adults would then go to a shrine and get together with old school class mates in what is known as a Dousoukai [同窓会] - you may have heard this word in anime or eroge where old school class mates get together after a few years and have ecchi on the same night.
The girls wear a traditional garment known as Furisode [振袖] which they normally rent. Rental for these garments for *one day* can cost up to and over 150,000 yen (not a typo ^^;) from online rental stores like Gohuku.
The lovely Erika Toda in a CM for some Furisode below.
Many folks out n about to take pics of (mainly) the girls.
And if you are wondering - been told that most of the fluff is fake fur.
Started off in Harajuku but only saw a handful of rabbits. Andrew has a blueprint of the Shibuya/Yoyogi and Harajuku area printed on his left knee and showed me a shortcut from Harajuku to Shibuya which will change the way I travel around this area.
While many of the lads will go for a business suit, some still go for the traditional Hakama [袴] - again can be rented online for something like 38,000 yen from places like Huuryuu.
With no catch at Harajuku, we arrived at the CC Lemon Hall in Shibuya. As local ward offices can only fit a certain number of people, the CC Lemon hall is used to fit in the rest.
The fire brigade was out in force - now that you are adults, they would like you to be a good citizen and help put out those fires.
Some of the new adult lads. Looks like the guy in the middle was given a congrats-you-are-now-an-adult beating judging from the bruises to his face.
If you want to catch some Seijin no Hi festivities next year, I would advice that you go to the CC Lemon hall in Shibuya at about 12:30 - you will have an hour of photos before they all go in at about 1:30.
Hmmm, just found some more CMs with Erika Toda in them ^^;
Spotted many fellow gaijin out n about in the area taking photos too.
Its usually OK to ask for photos with the girls as they spent a lot of money to look good for the day - they generally want to be looked at. And if you are in armor then many ask to have their photo with you ^^;
Kawaii zo!
As far as I know, we didn't have any form of celebrations in the UK for folks who become adults - any in your neck of the woods?
Which brings me to a related question that I asked many moons ago but am curious as to what the demographics are now - how old is you being? I generally don't like asking these questions but the poll is not related to your account in anyway so your answers are completely anonymous.
If you arrive at the CC Lemon too late, you will find the place pretty much deserted. Not sure how long they are in the hall for as we didn't hang around to find out.
Me cant remember the year that I turned 20 at all...
Me in late 30's now. For a long time, I felt that I started off late in society mainly due to not knowing what I wanted to do as a teenager/early twenties.
For much of my career in Amazon and Microsoft, I have seen life as a race against time - time which is running out. But the more I saw time as being the enemy, the less I enjoyed life.
Since I discovered my passion and what I want to do in life, the clocks seem to tick faster and I felt pressure from myself to get as much as possible done before I die.
These days, I see time as a friend that I share my life with. By prioritizing the most important things in my life, I find it easier to get more done and reach my destinations without having to put pressure on myself regarding the sands of time slowly building up at the bottom of the hour glass.
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 sittign in a jar.
Some of these in the Wallpaper Pool.
Some of the lads to get a bit rowdy though.
This guy promises to give up on Tenga and dakimakura.
Following clip discovered at Japan Probe showing how some others decided to celebrate their coming of age day.
All these were taken on the Lumix LX3. See more taken on an SLR at comrade David's burogu.
Me pretending to be a member of staff handing out goodies to the new adults.
This photo is 1 of a series of 3.
The second in the series...
And the third - caption these photos ^^;
And after the CC Lemon hall, it was off to Shibuya to see more shenanigans to be covered in another article. Bumped into this lovely lady on the way.
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Full-time student へへ
http://www.kenleewrites.com
not to mention kissing in public. ^^
student , otaku and awesome blogger
http://otakudan.com
so, why do the women wear those fluffy things?
CEO MIrai Inc
http://www.dannychoo.com/profile/eng/
Its *very* cold at this time of year.
student , otaku and awesome blogger
http://otakudan.com
oh, I thought it had a cultural meaning for the coming of age event
Shinra First Class
so thats where sesshoumaru's fluff came from..
Student xDD
http://www.iamgundam.com
LOL
http://www.rxsiu.wordpress.com
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.
Video Game Developer
http://radiantdreamer.wordpress.com
lol Danny you get a LOT of attention in that storm trooper costume. :D
Student, ...someday...zzz
They look comfy.
Otaku / Student in Networking
http://hayasaki-kun.blogspot.com/
Yeah...
Ninja / Engineer / Sensei / 魔法少女 (What!?! I can't be, I'm a guy...)
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.)
Kawaii Pink Stuffs FanGirl, Cat Lover, Otaku, MP3 Hunter, Matcha & Afternoon Milk Tea Addict.
http://lethiachan.blogspot.com
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!!
Student, Otaku, She-Geek(Sheek lol)
http://meimi132.wordpress.com/
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.
流浪人
Oh, you'd be surprised how quirky life gets as you get older... ^^;
Moe Hunter
http://moehunter.wordpress.com/
Fluffyness.......
I turned 20 late last year ^__^
free lance otaku, full time Protector of Peace.
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
Blogger, Figure collector, Baby Photographer?
http://www.howagirlfigures.com
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!
Student
http://anime.scripts.mit.edu/miteiru/
Quince's sound like so much fun... many say it's just as good as a wedding day. ^^
College Freshmen
You should pretend to be a statue or display when handing things out. Then scare them all of a sudden. Good fun.
三年せいとオタク
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
Multimedia Designer
hmm 20? past 5 years ago-.-
I wish i can try on those kawaii kimono and fur over shoulder?^^
Student
http://yellowguy89.blogspot.com/
turning 20 in about another month!!. Wish I could join in on the ceremony tho.. :(
Student artist
http://www.requestview.wordpress.com
Danny with that storm trooper armor, you are instantly a chick magnet!
Ork Warlord
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!
Student
http://animestuff.wordpress.com/
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
2nd year Civil Engineering Student
http://soonkiong.blogspot.com
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.
Procrastinator, n00b blogger
http://zatsudan.wordpress.com
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
pervert
maybe i should have flew over since i just turned 20 a bit over a week ago
Network Architect, Administrator, Vmware Guru
http://www.finetoo.org/
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!
流浪人
Ah, turning 20...
...
I don't remember it, at all... ^^;;;
I'll be 33 next month. ^_^
Trying to become a blogger.
http://crippledotaku.wordpress.com/
Do the Japanese have yearly election like in the USA. Interesting holiday, with we had holidays here where cute girls dress so pretty.
流浪人
Yearly election?
Network Architect, Administrator, Vmware Guru
http://www.finetoo.org/
USA has elections every four years for presidency... I think every two years for seats?
Limousine Driver
Traditional Japanese Kimono is possibly the most beautiful clothing in the world.
Banking...
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
Student
http://anime.scripts.mit.edu/miteiru/
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 >.>;
College Student/Web Designer
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 ^_^
デレデレ ハンター, Bullet Grazer
I was looking for an article like this after I discovered that some readers were SUPER young. ^^
Student
http://anime.scripts.mit.edu/miteiru/
LOL ^^; some people develop early in life? xD
university film student | ecchikid | the Archivist
http://www.vimeo.com/longhim
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. ^^;
NEET!!!
http://feeout.blogspot.com
Those Furisode are absolutely beautiful ^^
Blogger, consultant
http://www.netharuka.com
Amazing photos, Danny. What a colorful tradition.
university film student | ecchikid | the Archivist
http://www.vimeo.com/longhim
(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. ^^;
Anime Figure Collector
http://www.facebook.com/people/Alex-Isdaman/1007891658
I want some of the goodies. =(
Student, part-time slave
http://yakuri.wordpress.com/
Me thinks more pics with guys are needed ^^
???Confused???
All I remember from 20 years old is packed classrooms, papers and exams...don't really see parties like that here...wish there was...
Student
http://keiothic.blogspot.com
Who's the lady at the last pic? I was thinking 'lovely' lady meant a friend or a model friend :D
Student, Bioresearch Assistant, WAVE VP Communications
http://gndynames.wordpress.com
I'm turning 19 in less than a month. Growing up quickly is NOT something I want.
Student, health worker
http://www.bitterbrownieprince.deviantart.com
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! :)
Pokemon master
http://thecococafe.wordpress.com/
The girls are so pretty! *_*
I wonder if we have readers younger than 10 here. Oh my... :O
Actor, Moviemaker and Blogger.
http://sitedofonseca.blogspot.com
We don't have any celebration like this aorund here. It would be nice to have some!
http://www.marvinryan.com
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. ^^
http://www.marvinryan.com
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!"
Dance Trooper: DCX-001 O.D.E. (Order of the Dancing Empire)
http://dannychoo.com.my
LOL!
大学生
http://justaskeikaku.net23.net
I finally know what a furisode is! It looks very comfortable being in the middle of a harem..
Young Grasshopper
http://miragestrike.blogspot.com
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 ^^;.
Young Grasshopper
http://miragestrike.blogspot.com
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".
Student
Didn't know they had a big coming of age type thing in Japan ^^" I should visit next summer, I'm turning 20 :P
mouse clicker, button presser
26 and still don't SDV.
Artist,Photographer
http://red-hmong.deviantart.com/
Erika Toda!!!
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.
Student
http://basement.halfarenaissance.net
Um, simple -- you don't rent them and just wear normal formal attire.
former Emperor of Britannia
http://reflectiarx.wordpress.com/
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!
NEET (no, student, AND employed min. wage)
http://otterhangar.blogspot.com/
my cousin did that this year... Hope she enjoyed it...
Dance Trooper: DCX-001 O.D.E. (Order of the Dancing Empire)
http://dannychoo.com.my
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......
Hotel - Night Audit
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.
Hikikomori
http://toxxyn.blogspot.com/
Nice holiday, wished there was something similar here. I turned 20 last summer. 21 in about 4 months.
Student
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kmyk88
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
Student
http://andreijournal.blogspot.com
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!
website/graphic designer and karaoke amateur~
http://www.furudango.com
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.
Geek Liaison
http://www.thegeekreview.com
It kind of weird seeing the guy with the totally punk hair wearing the Hakama.
Stealthy Ninja, Life support.
I be 23...and still single T.T just thought i throw that out there lol
Budding Artist
http://yashiyama.buzznet.com/user/
uwah, those dresses are so pretty, you got some really good photos!
Student
http://anime.tedfox.com/
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!
Game Developer Student
http://www.wolferey.net/
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!"
Student | J-Drama beau
http://www.emikro.de.vu
Good idear :D
US Navy Sailor
http://punynari.wordpress.com/
Fascinating article. Didn't know about this holiday at all.
I'm a male in my 20s btw.
Student
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.
University Student
http://www.cruxay.com/
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.
Otaku
http://general-noodles.mybrute.com
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.
Blogger
http://quicoto.com
Lucky you Danny :P Nice review.
Wonderful pictures as always! The girlies all look absolutely lovely. ^^
Needs more male pics tho~ :3
IT techie
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 ^^
broadcasting slave
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.
Student
http://www.tecurious.com
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.
NEET part-time - Technical Support Officer - Network security engineer
http://burugureibi.blogspot.com/
HOORAY
that means i should of had just become 'of age'
it's only been a week in so far
Engineering research
http://kikenshisou.wordpress.com
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 ^^;;
銀河帝国五〇一軍团 TK/TD 8316 M.E.P.D. Police Sergeant
http://gordonator.com/
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. ^^;
Injured
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.
Your local Otaku Cashier.
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.
Student
Nice insight. Hope to celebrate my coming of age as hard as I can before i enlist for army.
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
JR. College Student
http://npc.talkingincircles.net/
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...
Currently Unemployed
I turn twenty next month. For some reason I feel old though, can't quite put my finger on why.
Student
What a nice event. It is always fun to dress up nice and feel special for the day.
http://www.stefkov.com/
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.
.NET/Web Developer
http://scrumptious.animeblogger.net
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. ^^
Student
http://shockerz.wordpress.com/
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.
Student!
http://zh3us.wordpress.com/
>_< 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.
Admin
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 :)
Lover of Akiba!
http://vincentosshrine.com/
Me turned 23 last December ^^v.
I was watching yesterday on morning news about this event... Some rabbits were too beautiful :D
Lurker, and part time super-villian.
http://burfordus.wordpress.com
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.
Student
http://chappypyon.wordpress.com/
Furisode is very nice. I always wanna try them out. However, after reading the 150,000 yen rental per day, forget it.
All round good guy and musician
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! ^_^
PhysicsMajor/Someting/Photo/Pharm Tech
http://www.cadha13.com/blog
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.
PhysicsMajor/Someting/Photo/Pharm Tech
http://www.cadha13.com/blog
It is not suck "youth", such. Gomen and sorry fro the typo.
Student
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
eternal student
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 ><
Producer
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.
IT Manager
http://thumbnail-of-life.blogspot.com/
I was working at that day, so I couldn't go. >_>
must go next year... no matter what...
I FEEL ASLEEP
http://www.fakku.net/
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.
Programmer
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.
keroro platoon member
http://heathorn.wordpress.com
Whoa...so many cute girls in Sesshoumaru costume ^_^
We don't have festival like that here
Lazyass human
http://nipah.wordpress.com
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
Marketer
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
otaku
http://tsuki-board.net/louki
It's not funny to make fun of this girl as you do...
For me, she's very cute
University Student
How rude...
Transferring old home movies into DVDs
http://uk.youtube.com/user/NightUlf
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. : )
Mechanical Engineering student
http://sabekujikaneda.multiply.com/
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
vendor
http://www.friendster.com
Being age 20 are doing some jobs and so9me enjoyment...Nice soft cotton on those ladies wear.
Student
http://www.lesterho.com
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
University student and part-time Super Sentai.
I be forever 16.
The lady in the last photo looks the best to me lol.
a guy who cares (sort of...)
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 ^^.
Student
With the price of the Furisode, makes you wonder how the Minami family was able to acquire 3?
Nekophilia
Will be 20 in 4 years time. ^^;;
Well, reaching 20 here is nothing special.
Daigakusei [Consular and Diplomatic Affairs]
http://dixinfernal.wordpress.com
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!!!
中学生
http://thezhukeeper.blogspot.com
the furisode is sooo nice!
how is Danny so sure that theres no one under the age of 10 here? ^^;
graduate studant (TV & Cinema )
Man, love the hakama outfit! they are the best!!!!!
graduate studant (TV & Cinema )
Why C.C.Lemon, and not in a park or temple? is CCLemon a reference spot in tokyo?
Engineer by weekdays, Hikki by weekends
http://ejump.wordpress.com/
im quarter century old.
Theres no such festival in malaysia.
hmm.. japanese idol
Student | J-Drama beau
http://www.emikro.de.vu
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
Job seeker
A convention of young adults in Furisodes and Hakamas = receipe for matchmake + hook up isn't it.
Dyslexic Social Studies student, struggling gundam modeler and gamer
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
Dyslexic Social Studies student, struggling gundam modeler and gamer
Garr, I meant "serious thinking would make me age quicker"
Perv
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 :/
Student during the day, otaku at night, and amateur musician ^_^
http://www.thebanzaieffect.com/
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..
Media & Communications Student
True..its not many people around the age 15 ^^`
ps; But at least your not the ONLY one ;)
studying Japanese and Computer Science
i'm 23 and still on search for what i want to do in my future ^_^
illustration student
http://kylefewell.blogspot.com/
was this in shibuya? i was there yesterday.. would have been neat to have seen you in teh storm trooper outfit D:
Programmer Trainee
http://jointsareokay.blogspot.com
There are many males here.
Hehe
Pre-U Student
http://wakuwakusuru.zeroclipse.net
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.
Network Administrator
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 :)
Hikikomori in the making
http://supermariabros.deviantart.com/
Would be nice to have a celebration as grand as that... No such events happening here...
kimonos are so elegant, all of them look great
Delivery Driver | Semi-student
http://www.soulfringe.com/
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)
Student
>"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
broadcasting slave
Being 37, it seems I'm quite the minority here, heh.
Never too old to rock 'n roll!
Back to the grind
those pics were really cool.I wish there was something a celebration like that where I live.
http://3615-mavie.blogspot.com/
Interesting. I didnt know about this tradition. Cool photos !
Art/Media
http://sgallen.wordpress.com/
Turned 20 in early 2006.
After my grad in 2008 I still haven't landed a job. What a crisis...
Dental Technician, i make teeth!
http://antsizedman.blogspot.com/
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.
Web Designer & Game Developer
http://www.naffworld.co.uk/blog/
You and me both buddy, at least we're the right side of the thirties :)
http://powerupfight.blogspot.com
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.
Executive Seneschal of the Third Ward
http://phaeton99.deviantart.com/
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...
Student.
http://www.flashflashrevolution.com/profile/Yuusuke-kun/
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 ^^
security/3d graphic artist
http://www.kennethleishman.com/
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
Student
i wouldn't mind ever-20
Scientist, unemployed.
http://fmphoenixhawk.livejournal.com
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.
Hobby fan
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.
Student
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dramacd/
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.
Online Shop
http://wildarms.egloos.com
They all look happy, to become adults. Soon, they will learn to hate it, like I'm doing right now!!!
Student
http://konadora.wordpress.com
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
MS pilot
looking at the poll results i'm not one bit surprised at all from the composition of the readers here...*cough* sausagefest ...haha
Student, ACG Fans
http://modvisc.blogspot.com
Those traditional wear look very complicated to wear, but very nice ^^.
3 more month im turning to 23 years old.
Air Transportation Journeyman
http://www.myspace.com/savefaceandbeyourself
Oh! Oh! Teh girlz were FI-HI-HINE!
Half Engineer, Half Student, All Robot
http://discombobulatedyouth.blogspot.com/
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.
Producer
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.
product design prop maker
you become an adult when your 20!?!?!?!
Producer
Gotta happen sometime, unfortunately!
Animation
http://clockworkmachina.com
awesome pics danny!
whats that in your hand in the last picture? looks like some plasma grenade.
Dirty Gentleman
http://cantstanzya.wordpress.com/
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!
student
http://plurk.com/demfae
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?
Medical student
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...
Summer school skipper
Very nice pictures! I kinda like that fluff on the furisode too... makes it look somewhat glamorous on some. ^^;
And I is 16!
Overman
http://myplasticmoustache.blogspot.com/
The guy in white next to you looks like he'll be an "oyabun" someday...
Otaku Security Guard
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!
Consultant
Wow, looks like you were the star of the show!
Supreme Commander of NERV Co.
The only "Storm Trooper" among the ladies
artist
ahhh coming of age...the day they give up prostitution and search for salaryman.
a sad day
bum,hachi roku driver
0h n0ez! Guy promises to give up on tenga and dakimura! uh blasphemy.
IT Expert / System, Network, Security Administrator
http://www.digitalanime.com.br
Good thing sex starts at 12. ;-)
フリーター。
http://www.seizya.com/
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!
High School Student
http://theotakushelf.com/
I'm still in the lowest category since I don't turn 16 until July. XD
Student
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. ^^;
Employed
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.
Student, Bioresearch Assistant, WAVE VP Communications
http://gndynames.wordpress.com
You can legally buy booze when you're 19. Although anyone that would do that would have been illegally doing so for a while.
http://paliodor.wordpress.com
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 .
Graphic designer
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...
Student
http://ivan05.deviantart.com/
19-22 aged males in the lead. No wonder Im one of them.
Student Game Development.
Omoshiroi :D
Newbie Concept Artist
http://myspace.com/answer_sheet_service
turned 16 on christmas day of 08. I srsly need to get a job. driver's ed set and ready to go ^_^b
Student
http://ivan05.deviantart.com/
dude, "I" need to get a job, Im depressed.
Otaku, Animation Major
http://xlhaseolx.deviantart.com/
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.....
rocket scientist
http://www.facebook.com/inbox/?ref=mb#/profile.php?id=891095646&ref=profile
YES 19-22 doods Unite! We could take over...yeah idk we could do something cool right?!
student
http://decarboxylation.blogspot.com
are their makeups thick? It gives me that kinda feeling though. :(
Student
http://muketsu.wordpress.com
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.
Engineering student
http://www.kynapple.com
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?
studying comp studies, planning to look for part time job
http://bruneian-otaku.blogspot.com
turn 19 this March, and I'll never stop buying anime and stuffs XD
photographer
http://asianpantypeeks.com
This is why I so love Japan.
IT specialist for application development, Business Process Manager
http://www.lukisblog.de
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 ^^'
Photographer Wanna-be
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)
Interior Designer/Broker
http://www.urbaanbangkok.com
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 :(
Student
The young men have fantastic hair and clothes! I love it
aah, I remember when I turned 18 and my parents told me they were buying me a suitcase and kicking me out.
Spec Ops Otaku
Great photo sesh, now let's go smoke those fires!