On January 13, known as Coming of Age Day (Seijin no Hi) in Japan, many young adults stepped confidently across the threshold of adulthood, celebrating the significant milestone of turning twenty. This year, the celebrations were particularly poignant as many well-known figures participated, adding to the cultural and social importance of the day.
One prominent figure, actress Aina Ashida, made headlines as she celebrated her 20th birthday on this momentous occasion. Dressed elegantly in a stunning white and floral-patterned ＜振り袖＞ (furisode), she shared her heartfelt gratitude through social media, stating, “I have received countless love and kindness from many people since I was young. These experiences have been the source of my growth, and I'm determined to become someone who can support others moving forward.” Her reflections on reaching adulthood drew widespread attention, underscoring the delicate balance between public admiration and personal introspection.
Another notable group celebrating their turning point was the newly-minted adults from the popular idol group NMB48. Members like Ayano Izumi, 20, and Aki Tanaka also participated in the Coming of Age ceremony held at the Osaka Tenmangu Shrine. Izumi expressed, “It feels special to be part of the first generation celebrating this milestone at age twenty, yet it’s somewhat surreal.” The girls, dressed adorning vibrant ＜振り袖＞, discussed their aspirations for the year, emphasizing their ambition to blend their roles as idols and actresses effortlessly.
The group underwent the duality of gratitude and responsibility as they recognized not just their personal growth but also the collective celebration marking NMB48's upcoming 15th anniversary. Izumi stated, “This year will highlight Osaka on the international stage, especially with the upcoming World Expo 2025. We aim to bring smiles and energy from Osaka to the rest of the world.”
The shift from twenty as the legal age of adulthood to eighteen has created waves of change across Japan, but many elements of the Coming of Age ceremony have remained steadfast. While the minimum age for adulthood is now eighteen as per the legal amendments of 2022, most municipalities have continued with traditional ceremonies for those who turn twenty, if not rebranding them as “gatherings for twenty-year-olds.”
Among these celebrated new adults is Fukusuke Suzuki, another well-known former child star, who shared his excitement about his transition. Having appeared as early as age one, he has become synonymous with childhood entertainment. Looking back at his childhood roles, he acknowledged the swift passage of time, saying, “I cannot believe how much time has gone by! It feels surreal!”
A survey conducted by Sony Insurance on young adults reflected interesting insights about the preferences of this age group. It featured the results of their poll on which celebrities they would prefer to go driving with. Ashida topped the list with 16.5%, followed closely by fellow actors and athletes, indicating their strong pull among peers transitioning to adulthood. These numbers showcase not only the celebrity's influence but also the continued admiration for childhood stars who are now stepping confidently onto the adult stage.
The tradition of the Coming of Age Day serves not just as a celebration but as a reminder for many young adults of the responsibilities and new freedoms they now carry. While this day has long been about fun and festivities, there is also the underlying expectation from society and family to embrace the adult world with maturity and poise.
Taking these aspirations and newfound responsibilities to heart, many young adults voiced their ambitions for the year. Some expressed desires for personal development, such as Ayano Izumi's goal to excel as both idol and actress, striving for balance between these demanding worlds. Others reflected on the more practical aspects of adulthood; for example, Uchida Aina shared, “Getting to use my card at stores instead of cash gives me the feeling of being truly grown up.”
Newly minted adult Riori Nishijima even shared her goals of obtaining her driver’s license, stating, “Going out with friends driving has opened my eyes to new experiences, and I strive to get my license soon!” Such hopes and dreams resonate strongly with this generation, embodying the spirit of youth and capability.
While the celebrations marked each new adult’s individual path, they also intertwined and reflected broader cultural shifts. The influence of modern technology, issues of environmental responsibility, and the need for community connection echoed throughout their narratives, highlighting the significance of this transitional period.
On this Coming of Age Day, as traditions were honored and personal resolutions set, the narratives of personal growth and societal expectations forged invaluable insights for the future. With the backdrop of Osaka’s impending role as the host of the 2025 World Expo, these celebrations are more than mere personal milestones; they contribute to the region’s vibrant cultural fabric and showcase Japan's youth as dynamic, driven, and engaged with their society.
Indeed, 2025 stands to be particularly significant for the new adults, not just for their individual journeys but for how they collectively shape and are shaped by the challenges and opportunities they will encounter.