VIDEO| Speakin’ Japanese lesson: Congratulations on becoming an adult!

The Seijin-no-Hi or Coming-of-Age holiday is just around the corner here in Japan. This year, the special day falls on Jan. 11.

For young people in Japan, Seijin-no-hi marks the day where 20-year-olds are considered legal adults. On the holiday, you may come across proud young people in brand new suits or beautiful kimono on their way to a local theater or arena for the special ceremony. This year, you might not see very many young people out as COVID-19 has led many city offices to cancel, postpone or take the ceremony online.

If you do come across one of these new adults or have one in your life, try this phrase:

“Goseijin omedeto,” =  Congratulations on becoming an adult.
("goseijin" = becoming an adult, "omedeto" = congratulations)

Stay safe and enjoy the unique coming-of-age holiday!

See more about Coming-of-Age Day at https://japan.stripes.com/community-news/coming-age-day-incites-rite-passage-japan