VIDEO| Coming-of-age day, a rite of passage to adulthood

Becoming an adult is an important milestone in most cultures, and in Japan, it is celebrated on Seijin-no-Hi, or Coming-of-Age Day, the second Monday of January (Jan. 13 this year). “Seijin-shiki,” or coming-of-age ceremonies, are generally held the morning of the national holiday at local city offices throughout the country and those who turn 20 during the current school year attend it. For many young women, this day is an opportunity to dress up in their most formal clothes. Many don “furisode,” a style of kimono with long sleeves that hang down, and pose for photos with their friends and family after the ceremony.