2ND M ONDAY OF J ANUARY N ATIONAL HOLIDAY J APAN

 Seijin Shiki- the formal ceremony held at the local city office  Govt. officials emcee the Seijin Shiki by welcoming the newly recognized adults with  short speeches- advice, expectations  (optional) small gifts as a token of their new status  Who? Japanese men and women turning 20 by April 1 st of the previous year - March 31 st of this year (ex: April 1, 2010-March 31, 2011)

Tradition started in Japan in 741 AD as… ◦Genpuku- males b/t yrs. old ◦Mogi- females b/t yrs. old ◦…the giving of adult clothes and adult haircut New wave (1948)- provides legal rights to vote, drink, smoke, and be self- reliant. The “new adults” have been criticized as rude by elders for caring more about their expensive appearance than the cultural tradition-delay in adolescence! Police began to arrest rowdy adults in the late 90’s in order to subside some of the anti- social behaviors. Participation in the event is down more than likely because Japan’s birthrate is lower and population has peaked and will soon decline.

FEMALE APPEARANCEMALE APPEARANCE  Furisode kimono- long sleeves (indicating unmarried) and extensive design  Obi – sash tied around kimono- most expensive part of outfit  Traditional  Dressed by female elders of family or at a salon  Expensive  $10,000-new  Up to $1,000- rent  Western suit and tie are mostly accepted and prevalently worn  Non- traditional  Dark Kimono with hakama (trouser- like)  Traditional

OBI

WESTERNKIMONO WITH HAKAMA

 After the local celebration by the government official, the new adults are treated to a party. Many new adults will entertain with family and friends for a short time, and then meet up with their fellow newly recognized adults and party into the night.  The partying is a fairly new cultural trend brought on after the post- war era (1946) by a young leader, as a Youth Festival, to boost morale in the younger generations. This tradition was nationalized in 1948 to Seijin no Hi.  Each city, village, town, and district of Japan celebrates Seijin no Hi in it’s own capacity.

 Ceremonial for new adults to attend a Shinto Shrine to ensure good fortune  Predates the new traditions of Seijin no Hi  dates back over 800 years  kimono is worn like ancient samurais  10 Archers shoot 2 arrows each = 100 arrows  Momote Shiki Momote Shiki