Monday, January 10th will be Coming of Age Day, also known as Adult’s Day in Japan. It is the day that young people celebrate officially becoming adults. Traditionally they gather at their hometown City Hall wearing very fine kimonos, suits, or other fashionable clothing. In larger cities, they gather at local ward offices.
Since new adults will be wearing clothes that cost them hundreds (and sometimes thousands) of dollars, they will be more than happy to show it off. For photographers and tourists in Japan who want to take photos of beautiful kimonos, it’s a good day to get out with your camera. The new adults want to show off their clothes and tend to be in a very cheerful, partying mood. The day will last into the night as many of them will be drinking legally for the first time (often after a change of clothes from kimono to party dress).
It is a good day to get out to the major train stations, or even all the way down to the local city or ward office to enjoy the chance at taking some amazing photos.
If you are lucky enough to be in Japan this Monday, please don’t miss this opportunity. (Don’t forget to ask if you can take a picture politely, and be prepared for some of the hardcore revelers to say no… but I think people tend to be pretty open to it.)
I recommend asking in English, as most 20 year olds should understand such a simple request, but if you want some Japanese to use, how about
sumimasen, shashin o totte ii desuka?
The sumimasen part is like “excuse me” to get their attention.
It can get pretty wild on Coming of Age Day, but well worth it to get out and try to get some shots of different kimonos and suit styles.