Celebrating Coming-of Age Day in Japan – New Exhibition is Opening at Japan House London this November
Co-curated by fashion director Yamaguchi Souta, Simon Wright, Director of Programming at Japan House London, and with the support from the people of Kitakyushu, Tradition/Rebellion: Coming-of-Age Style in Kitakyushu is exploring how an industrial port city in Japan has become famous for its flamboyant and rebellious Coming-of-Age Day fashion.
[Featured image in courtesy of Japan House London. Photo taken by Nakamura Kenta]
What is a Coming-of-Age Ceremony?
Young people celebrating Coming-Of-Age Day in Kitakyushu 9 © Nakamura Kenta
Image in courtesy of Japan House London
Coming of Age Day (Seijin no Hi) is held on the second Monday of January each year and it honours young adults stepping into adulthood traditionally at the age of 20.
Although, the legal age of adulthood has been lowered to 18 in 2022, certain age-restricted activities, including drinking alcohol or smoking still require turning 20.
Coming of Age Day is a national holiday to encourage those entering adulthood to become self-reliant, embrace new responsibilities and wisely accept their adult freedom.
Young people celebrating Coming-Of-Age Day in Kitakyushu 1 © Nakamura Kenta
Image in courtesy of Japan House London
Local governments host ceremonies, called Seijinshiki – usually at community centres, public halls or city halls – where typically the mayor of the city or someone of high status give a speech to new adults, reminding them of how far they’ve come and the new responsibilities awaiting them.
After the ceremony the new adults and their families visit a local shrine where they pray for success and good health.
Coming of Age Celebration Outfits
Young people celebrating Coming-Of-Age Day in Kitakyushu 4 © Nakamura Kenta
Image in courtesy of Japan House London
One of the most visually appealing aspects of Seijin no Hi is the clothing. Many women wear a special kimono for the event, called furisode. It’s an extra long-sleeved kimono with bold colours and elegant patterns accompanied with well-styled hair and traditional Japanese sandals.
As dressing in a kimono is very difficult without help, beauty salons work around the clock in weeks before the ceremony to make new adults’ dreams come true.
Men often wear a formal kimono called montsuki haori hakama. That’s a full length garment, a pleated and divided Japanese skirt for men and a traditional half coat. However, modern Western tie and suit is also increasingly popular.
The City That Has Transformed the Coming-of Age Ceremony
Young people celebrating Coming-Of-Age Day in Kitakyushu 12 © Nakamura Kenta
Image in courtesy of Japan House London
Kitakyushu is an industrial port city on Japan’s southerly island of Kyushu. It’s famous for Mojiko Retro district’s 20th-century architecture, Kokura Castle, the amazing night views from Mount Sarakura and its stunning flower tunnels at Kawachi Wisteria Garden (you probably familiar with it from the popular anime series, Demon Slayer).
Young people celebrating Coming-Of-Age Day in Kitakyushu 6 © Nakamura Kenta
Image in courtesy of Japan House London
The region has also become famous for its fashion culture that transformed the Coming-of-Age Ceremony a whimsical spectacle with flamboyant garments, gravity-defying elaborate hairstyles and tall, personalised banners.
Tradition/Rebellion: Coming-of-Age Style in Kitakyushu
Young people celebrating Coming-Of-Age Day in Kitakyushu 11 © Nakamura Kenta
Image in courtesy of Japan House London
The exhibition at Japan House London highlights the stories of eight ‘new adults’ including their preparation for the ceremony, their participation and their thoughts on what reaching adulthood means to them.
Some attendees choose formal dress, while others want to express their individuality and creativity through their extravagant outfit.
There are participants who want to honour their mother by wearing the same kimono she wore on her own Coming-of-Age Day.
To cater the special needs, local hairdressers, photographers, kimono rentals and other local businesses work tirelessly.
Simon Wright, Director of Programming at Japan House, said:
“There are so many aspects of Japanese cultures and countercultures that people are yet to discover, so I’m excited to be introducing London audiences to the extravagance found at this celebration that takes place in Kitakyushu every year. I can’t wait for visitors to discover the riot of colour, imagination and joy of this one special day for Kitakyushu’s 20-year-olds, and the imaginative local industries that bring it to life.”
The exhibition is co-curated with fashion director, Yamaguchi Souta.
Yamaguchi Souta was graduated from Bunka Fashion College, where he received the 22nd President’s Award. He began working as a stylist and fashion director in 2006. His career includes serving as Creative Director for KANSAI YAMAMOTO and curating a retrospective exhibition of fashion designer Kenzo Takada. He also designed the attire worn by staff at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games medal ceremonies.
The exhibition will open on the 11th November 2026 at Japan House London.
[Urban Adventurer is proud to be an official Japan House London Advocate]