Coming-of-age at 20 in Japan

Today is Coming-of-Age Day in Japan, the second Monday in January. It is a public holiday too, but not a holiday at CAJ.

There are ceremonies all over the country for those who have reached the age of majority (20) during the last year. Well actually I think the current practise is, if they turn 20 between April 2nd of the previous year and April 1st of the coming year.

20 is a significant age for Japanese, it is the age when they're allowed to vote, smoke and drink.

The guys often wear suits, but it is the young ladies who turn heads - wearing gorgeous kimonos (actually furisode, a type of kimono for unmarried ladies). 


Yesterday those in our church who are or will turn 20 were invited up the front. The pastor spoke to them a little, read  part of Ecclesiastes 11 and 12 (some of it is below) and prayed for them.


 ⁹ You who are young, be happy while you are young,
   and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth.
Follow the ways of your heart
   and whatever your eyes see,
but know that for all these things
   God will bring you into judgement.
¹⁰ So then, banish anxiety from your heart
   and cast off the troubles of your body,
   for youth and vigor are meaningless.

There is more information here about the day.