1. Introduction
Turning 20 in Japan is a special event that is marked by a national holiday known as Seijin no Hi. It is a day of celebration for young adults who have reached the age of majority, and it is an important milestone in Japanese culture. In this article, we will explore what turning 20 in Japan means and the traditions associated with Seijin no Hi.
2. What is Seijin no Hi?
Seijin no Hi (Coming-of-Age Day) is a national holiday celebrated on the second Monday of January each year in Japan. It was first celebrated in 1948, and it has been an important part of Japanese culture ever since. The holiday marks the coming-of-age for those who have turned 20 years old during the previous year. It signifies that they are now considered adults under Japanese law and are eligible to vote, drink alcohol, buy cigarettes, and do other activities that were previously off limits due to their age.
3. The Cultural Significance of Turning 20 in Japan
Turning 20 in Japan carries great cultural significance as it marks the transition from childhood to adulthood. On Seijin no Hi, young adults wear traditional kimonos or suits and gather at local town halls or shrines to take part in coming-of-age ceremonies where they make pledges to contribute positively to society. This ceremony is often followed by parties and celebrations with family members and friends.
4. Traditional Gifts for Seijin no Hi
Traditionally, families give gifts to their children on Seijin no Hi such as money (called Otoshidama), jewelry, or clothing items like kimonos or suits for boys and girls respectively. These gifts symbolize the parents’ pride in their children’s accomplishments and serve as encouragement for them to continue striving forward into adulthood with confidence.
5. The Ceremony and Celebrations of Seijin no Hi
The ceremony itself usually involves speeches from local government officials or elders followed by pledges from the young adults themselves about how they plan on using their newfound responsibilities responsibly and contributing positively to society going forward. Afterward, there are usually festivities such as music performances or firework displays which typically take place at local parks or stadiums around Japan.
6. The Impact of COVID-19 on Seijin no Hi Celebrations in 2020
Due to the global pandemic caused by COVID-19, many traditional celebrations had to be cancelled or postponed during 2020’s Seijin no Hi celebrations across Japan due to social distancing guidelines being put into place by local governments throughout the country.Although some festivities were able to go ahead with adjustments made for safety reasons such as reducing crowd sizes and limiting physical contact between participants,many people were still unable to celebrate this important milestone with family members outside of their own households.
7. How to Celebrate Seijin no Hi in 2021 and Beyond
As we move into 2021,it remains unclear how much large scale gatherings will be possible under social distancing guidelines.However,there are still ways families can celebrate this important milestone together while remaining safe.For example,virtual gatherings via video chat services such as Zoom can allow family members who live far away from each other to still connect while celebrating together.Additionally,small scale private gatherings with close family members can also be arranged if safety protocols such as face masks,regular hand washing,physical distancing,etc., are followed.With some creativity,families can still find ways to celebrate this special day together despite any restrictions posed by COVID-19.
8 Conclusion
In conclusion,turning 20 in Japan is an important event marked by a national holiday known as Seijin no hi.This day celebrates young adults who have reached the age of majority according to Japanese law.It carries great cultural significance as it marks the transition from childhood into adulthood.There are traditional gifts given on this day along with ceremonies and celebrations that typically take place at local town halls or shrines before culminating with parties among family members and friends.Due to COVID-19 restrictions however,many traditional celebrations had to be cancelled or postponed during 2020’s seijnno hi but there are still ways for families can celebrate safely together even if they cannot gather physically due to social distancing guidelines.
9 Sources & Further Reading
Japan Guide: Coming Of Age Day (SeiJinnoHi) https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2262_seijinnohi_comingofage_day_.html
Time Out Tokyo: How To Celebrate Coming Of Age Day In 2021 https://www.timeouttokyojp/en/things-to-do/how-to-celebrate-coming-of -age -day -2021
Japan Times: Coming Of Age Ceremonies Canceled Across Japan Amid Coronavirus Crisis https://www3japantimescojp/news/2020/01/11/national / coming -of -age -ceremonies -canceled -across -japan amid coronavirus crisis /
Why is 20 a special age in Japan?
In Japan people over the age of 20 are considered legal adults so the local government holds special immigration ceremonies for those in their 20s. The legal age for smoking and drinking in Japan is 20 years. But with these rights comes new responsibilities so age is an important turning point for the Japanese.
What is the Japanese 20th birthday called?
Seijin no hi or Coming of Age Day is a Japanese holiday created for young people to celebrate coming of age.
What rights do Japanese have at 20?
Although revisions to Japans Civil Code lowered the voting age from 20 to 18 in 2022 the legal age remains the same in civil and criminal law. The legal age for buying tobacco and alcohol is also 20 years. Therefore Japanese citizens become legal adults at just one year of age.
What age is Seijinshiki?
Japans rite of passage into manhood was lowered to 18 in April 2022 but some changes wont take place until the 20th. In the 18th century rights and responsibilities became so advanced that one could marry without parental permission. smartphones or tablets.
Japanese criminal law does not punish crimes committed by children under the age of 14. However under the Juvenile Law of Japan a minor (minor) is anyone under the age of one.
What’s the age gap limit in Japan?
There is a gap of 5 years in demand. The Law Ministrys Judicial Council met on October 24 to introduce an ad hoc bill to amend the Penal Code for six offences. The age of consent has been raised from 13 to 16 under certain conditions. 11 November 2022