Coming of Age in Japan
September 14th 2008 09:19
What's the legal age to drink alcohol, smoke and vote? What age are you considered an adult in Japan?
When it comes to this issue, the Japanese take it seriously.
Currently, the legal age is 20 years old. Every year, Japan celebrates "Coming of Age" day ("Seijin no Hi") annually on the second Monday of January. Since it's a day where every city and town celebrate, it's considered as a National holiday.
Note: Seijin no Hi can be very costly.
While most men wear suits, there are some who still wear a dark coloured traditional kimono or more specifically, the "hakama". However, when compared to the women, the cost of the hakama seems like nothing (especially since there's a wider price-range and quality available).
Women often wear a bright coloured "furisode" which is a long sleeved kimono. (The shorter sleeves are traditionally worn by mature, married women.) The cost brand new furisode cost anywhere between $4,000-$10,000US. However, due to the high costs, there are also furisode rental services available (normally, to rent one costs about $1000).
Clothing is only one aspect of Seijin no Hi especially for the women. Usually, women are unable to wear the furisode themselves so they would have to visit a "Kimono Kitsuke" who would help them wear it early in the morning. Some also spend extra to have their make-up and hair done at beauty salons before taking professional photographs with their family.
Aside from the preparations, normally the day progresses with a formal ceremony known as "Seijin Shiki". Activities include speech presentations by government officials solemnly reminding the new adults about their responsibilities to society. After the ceremony, many go to celebrate with their friends by drinking copious amounts of alcohol and partying.
Nonetheless, the Japan culture places a great value upon a person's progression into adulthood. Thus, it came to me as no surprise when a proposal to lower the legal age in Japan sparked hot debate.
According to Japan Today, almost 70% of poll voters are against such a change.
Should the proposal pass and lead a lowering of legal age, this would be the first ever redefinition of "coming of age" in the modern era.
Wouldn't it be interesting to see how such a change will impact upon the Japanese culture?
-----------------------
References:
Everything2.com
tanutech.com
Samuraidave.wordpress.com
AFP Google
When it comes to this issue, the Japanese take it seriously.
Currently, the legal age is 20 years old. Every year, Japan celebrates "Coming of Age" day ("Seijin no Hi") annually on the second Monday of January. Since it's a day where every city and town celebrate, it's considered as a National holiday.
Note: Seijin no Hi can be very costly.
While most men wear suits, there are some who still wear a dark coloured traditional kimono or more specifically, the "hakama". However, when compared to the women, the cost of the hakama seems like nothing (especially since there's a wider price-range and quality available).
Source: http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2309/2342443907_1c60eed9fd.jpg?v=0
Women often wear a bright coloured "furisode" which is a long sleeved kimono. (The shorter sleeves are traditionally worn by mature, married women.) The cost brand new furisode cost anywhere between $4,000-$10,000US. However, due to the high costs, there are also furisode rental services available (normally, to rent one costs about $1000).
Source: http://img42.imageshack.us/img42/4082/threekimonocuties6ws.jpg
Clothing is only one aspect of Seijin no Hi especially for the women. Usually, women are unable to wear the furisode themselves so they would have to visit a "Kimono Kitsuke" who would help them wear it early in the morning. Some also spend extra to have their make-up and hair done at beauty salons before taking professional photographs with their family.
Aside from the preparations, normally the day progresses with a formal ceremony known as "Seijin Shiki". Activities include speech presentations by government officials solemnly reminding the new adults about their responsibilities to society. After the ceremony, many go to celebrate with their friends by drinking copious amounts of alcohol and partying.
Nonetheless, the Japan culture places a great value upon a person's progression into adulthood. Thus, it came to me as no surprise when a proposal to lower the legal age in Japan sparked hot debate.
According to Japan Today, almost 70% of poll voters are against such a change.
Nearly 70% of people polled said they are against the idea of lowering the adult age to 18 from the current 20, according to a government survey released Saturday, mirroring the public’s reluctance to treat 18-year-olds and 19-year-olds as adults. The survey showed 69.4% opposing the idea and 26.7% backing it as a government panel is deliberating whether the state should lower the age of adulthood to 18, as set under the Civil Code, ahead of the implementation in 2010 of a law allowing citizens aged 18 or older to cast votes in referendums on the Constitution.
Asked why they oppose the idea of lowering the age level, 58.5% of respondents said in multiple answers that 18-year-olds and 19-year-olds are still economically dependent on their parents, according to the survey. Fifty-seven percent said they do not believe young people under 20 have sufficient ability to make appropriate judgments, while 55.3% said they do not believe young people can take responsibility for themselves. The Cabinet Office polled 5,000 people aged 18 and older across Japan in July.
Experts and policymakers say changing the age of majority will require serious consideration because it may also spark calls for reviewing the age at which people can legally drink and smoke, which is currently 20.
Source: Click here to see article source.Asked why they oppose the idea of lowering the age level, 58.5% of respondents said in multiple answers that 18-year-olds and 19-year-olds are still economically dependent on their parents, according to the survey. Fifty-seven percent said they do not believe young people under 20 have sufficient ability to make appropriate judgments, while 55.3% said they do not believe young people can take responsibility for themselves. The Cabinet Office polled 5,000 people aged 18 and older across Japan in July.
Experts and policymakers say changing the age of majority will require serious consideration because it may also spark calls for reviewing the age at which people can legally drink and smoke, which is currently 20.
Should the proposal pass and lead a lowering of legal age, this would be the first ever redefinition of "coming of age" in the modern era.
Wouldn't it be interesting to see how such a change will impact upon the Japanese culture?
-----------------------
References:
Everything2.com
tanutech.com
Samuraidave.wordpress.com
AFP Google
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