Coming of Age Day, 2nd Monday in January, Japan

In Japan the 2nd Monday in January is set aside as the day to celebrate becoming an adult.  When a person reaches the age of 20 in Japan they come to the age that they are now seen as an adult.

While it seems the ceremonies are becoming less frequently attended, there are still those who turned 20 in the last year (or more correctly now those who will be 20 between April 2 of the last year and April 1 of this year).  The government offices hold ceremonies to usher the young people into there standing as full citizens. Many women take this as an opportunity to dress up in very formal traditional clothing and going to the beauty salon to get done up.  Some men will also dress in traditional outfits but many are choosing to wear western style suite and ties.

After the ceremony the newly minted adults go out and party with one another of course.  It is a time of celebration after all.

Links: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coming_of_Age_Day

http://www.pelican-travel.net/en/newsPage.php?frCd=japan&seqNo=11