How is Seijin Shiki celebrated?
Coming of age ceremonies (成人式, Seijin-shiki) mark one’s ending of coming of age (age of maturity), which reflects both the expanded rights but also increased responsibilities expected of new adults. After the ceremony, the young adults often celebrate in groups by going to parties or going out drinking.
Why is Seijin Shiki important?
“SEIJIN-no- hi,” Coming of Age Day, is a national Japanese holiday held on the second Monday of January to honor young adults who turned 20 years old over the past year. It is a way of welcoming them into society and is an essential rite of passage for the Japanese people.
Why is 77 a special age in Japan?
The celebration of one’s 77th birthday is another example of ga no iwai. Age 77 is the “joyous year,” and to live until that age is indeed fortunate. The Japanese characters for kiju literally mean “joy” and “long life.” An integral and fundamental part of Japanese society, rice symbolized purity and goodness.
When did Seijin Shiki start?
There are several theories regarding the holiday’s origins, including some that date back as far as the 700s, when a young prince presented his clothes and hair as a sign of becoming an adult.
At what age do Japanese move out?
Although graduating from high school around the age of 18 heralds the beginning of a new chapter in most people’s lives, the legal age of majority is still 20 in Japan. Only then are young people allowed to drink, smoke, gamble and apply for smartphone, credit card and loan contracts without consent from their parents.
What does 77 mean in Japan?
The 77th year (kiju, 喜寿), which was celebrated because an archaic form of writing the character ki (good fortune, this form cannot be written out with this computer), can be broken down to the components 七 十 七、 which means 77. Because of this round-about connection, that age is seen as related to GOOD FORTUNE.
What rights do Japanese people have at the age of 20?
The age of legal adulthood will be lowered to 18, and at the same time, the legal age to be able to get married will become 18 for both men and women. Voting: you will be able to vote once you become an adult. At this moment you can only vote from the first election after you turn 20.
Can I visit Japan without knowing Japanese?
If you have never been to Japan before, or you don’t understand Japanese, traveling to Japan may worry you. Many tourists from all over the world travel around without understanding the language just fine. You can travel in Japan just fine without knowing any Japanese.