This week’s fact is about one of the most memorable milestones in Japan. 🎌 Japan Fact Friday — Seijinshiki (Coming of Age Day) Every January, young people across Japan celebrate turning 20 at Coming of Age Day, known as 成人の日 (せいじんのひ / Seijin no Hi). It marks the moment they are officially recognised as adults. 🎓 The Ceremony Young adults turning 20 in the current year, attend a formal event called 成人式 (せいじんしき / Seijinshiki), usually held at their local city hall. There are speeches, congratulations and a sense of stepping into a new stage of life. But for many, the ceremony is only the beginning. 👘 The Fashion One of the most striking parts of Seijinshiki is what people wear. Women often wear furisode — long-sleeved, elegant kimono with bright colours and intricate patterns. Men might choose: • traditional hakama • or modern suits It’s a rare chance to dress in full traditional style — and people go all out. Hair, makeup and accessories are carefully planned, often months in advance. 🎉 The After Party After the formal ceremony, the mood changes. Friends who haven’t seen each other since school reunite. They go out together — eating, drinking, laughing and celebrating. It’s part reunion, part celebration, and part “first night as an adult.” For many, it’s the moment where: • old friendships reconnect • new adult identities begin • memories are made for life 🧠 Why This Matters Seijinshiki reflects something important in Japan: • respect for life stages • community recognition • balancing tradition and modern life A formal ceremony in the morning… and a lively celebration at night. 🧠 Language Lesson — Becoming an Adult 🎌 せいじんになりました。 Seijin ni narimashita. I became an adult. 🎌 きものをきます。 Kimono o kimasu. I wear a kimono. 🎌 ともだちとおいわいします。 Tomodachi to oiwai shimasu. I celebrate with friends. 🫵 Your Turn How do people celebrate becoming an adult in your country? Big party? Quiet celebration? Nothing at all? Answer in English or Japanese 😊 See you next Friday for another Japan Fact Friday 🇯🇵✨

Kanji: 生 Meaning: life, live, birth, raw Onyomi: せい Kunyomi: いきる、うまれる、なま Common word: 学生（がくせい） – student Example: 私は学生です。 わたしはがくせいです。 I am a student. Do you know another word or phrase using 生？