Hatachi: Turning Twenty in Japan

A January ceremony, a furisode kimono and a reunion with old classmates mark the step into adulthood.

Published October 19, 2026 at 12:55 AM JST | By Tokyo Paul

Quick answer: Hatachi means twenty years of age, and in Japan turning twenty is celebrated at Coming of Age Day, held on the second Monday of January. Local governments invite twenty-year-olds to ceremonies, where young women often wear furisode kimono and men wear suits or hakama. Although the legal age of adulthood is now 18, the traditional ceremony still centers on 20.

What hatachi and seijin mean

Hatachi is the Japanese word for the age of twenty, and seijin refers to adulthood. Seijin no Hi, Coming of Age Day, is the national holiday that honors those who have reached or will reach the age of twenty during the year. The holiday is on the second Monday of January, creating a three-day weekend. For generations, twenty was the legal age of majority, which made it a moment of social and legal change.

Young people gained the right to vote, to drink alcohol and to take on adult responsibilities. The ceremony recognizes this transition and offers congratulations. The occasion is celebrated with warmth. Parents, grandparents and neighbors take pride in seeing the young people dressed in their best and ready to step forward. The holiday has been celebrated in its present form since the postwar years, and a similar tradition of marking adulthood goes back much further. Earlier customs included ceremonies in which young people adopted adult hairstyles and clothing.

The age of adulthood and what changed

In April 2022, the legal age of adulthood in Japan was lowered from 20 to 18. People can now enter contracts and take on other adult responsibilities at 18. However, certain activities, such as drinking alcohol, smoking and gambling, remain limited to those aged 20 and above. Because of the continued importance of the milestone at twenty, most local governments keep their ceremonies for twenty-year-olds. Some have renamed the event, using terms that refer to the age of twenty rather than adulthood.

Practices vary by municipality, so check the city website for the current format. This arrangement keeps the tradition intact for families, photographers and kimono rental companies. It also allows friends who attended the same school to gather at the same time. Voting rights and other civic duties now begin at 18, so schools and local governments also teach about adult responsibilities earlier. Even so, many families treat the twentieth birthday as the true moment of celebration, and the cultural weight of the number has not faded.

The ceremony itself

The ceremony is usually held in a city hall, a large public venue or a school hall. Officials give speeches, such as a greeting from the mayor and a message from a representative of the new twenty-year-olds. Gifts or commemorative items are sometimes presented, and the event is relatively short. Afterward, the participants gather outside to take photos and meet friends. Many local governments invite those whose hometown is their registered residence, so some people return from other cities for the event.

Parts of the day are purely social. Groups of friends take pictures, chat and plan a reunion party. Entry rules for the ceremony can differ, so those attending should follow the invitation sent by their local government. Some towns hold the event at a local sports hall, a concert venue or even an amusement park, making it a festive occasion for the community. Staff guide participants to seats and give directions about photos, so arriving a little early is advised.

Furisode, hakama and suits

Young women traditionally wear furisode, a formal kimono with long, flowing sleeves. The kimono is richly colored and patterned, and it is worn with an elaborate obi and accessories. Fur stoles or scarves often complete the look in the cold weather. Men often wear dark suits, and some choose a formal kimono set with hakama, the pleated trousers. Fashion varies, and some groups choose coordinated outfits. Many people rent their outfits, as buying a furisode is expensive.

Rental shops and photography studios offer packages that include dressing, hair and makeup, and reservations often open a year or more in advance. Some families pass down kimono from mothers or grandmothers. Hair accessories such as flower ornaments and decorative combs complement the kimono, and small bags and sandals complete the look. Shoes for the winter cold are often warm and comfortable, and many women carry a heat pack tucked into a sleeve.

The morning of the ceremony

Preparation begins early. Young women often wake before dawn to have their hair styled and their kimono put on by professionals. The dressing process takes time and requires patience. Photographers may capture portraits at studios before or after the ceremony. Visitors to Japan may see groups of young people in colorful kimono at train stations, shrines and photo spots on the morning of the holiday. It is a joyful and photogenic scene, but remember to ask before taking pictures of individuals.

Pre-shooting sessions, called maedori, are popular in the months before the day. They allow the person to enjoy the outfit in a relaxed setting, and the photos can be shared with family and friends. Beauty salons open before sunrise on the day and are often fully booked. Families sometimes help by driving the young person to the venue so that the kimono stays neat, and mothers and fathers often gather to watch.

Celebrating afterward

After the ceremony, groups often meet for a dinner party or a reunion with former classmates. These gatherings can be lively, with toasts and photo sharing. For many, it is one of the first times they celebrate adulthood in a social setting. Families may mark the day with a special meal or a family photo. Some give a gift such as a watch, a bag or a piece of jewelry, a keepsake of the milestone. Regional customs add variety.

Some areas hold events with performances or fireworks, and a few regions are known for especially colorful outfits. The overall mood is cheerful, and the day is an occasion for gratitude toward parents and teachers. Class reunions are a major part of the day, since many young people have moved to other cities for university or work. The event offers a rare chance for everyone to meet again at the same time, and for some it is a reunion that they look forward to for years.

Tips for visitors and observers

If you are visiting Japan in January, check the date of Coming of Age Day for the year and expect crowds in popular kimono photo areas. Shrines and city halls are good places to see the festivities, though access to the ceremony itself is limited to invited participants. Be respectful and courteous. Keep a polite distance, avoid blocking paths, and ask for permission before photographing. A friendly smile and a quiet word of congratulations, such as omedeto, is welcome.

Dress warmly, since January is cold in much of the country, and plan for busy trains. Many shops and restaurants remain open, though some may close for the holiday weekend. Photo studios and kimono rental shops sometimes offer dress-up experiences for visitors. Although these differ from the formal ceremony, they give a sense of how the garments feel and how much care goes into wearing them.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Coming of Age Day?

It is held on the second Monday of January each year. The date changes annually, and the day is a national holiday. Local ceremonies may take place on that day or on a nearby weekend. Some municipalities hold the ceremony on the holiday itself, while others choose a nearby weekend or even a day in August, so check the local government site for the schedule.

Did the age of adulthood change in Japan?

Yes. In 2022, the legal age of majority was lowered from 20 to 18, but drinking, smoking and gambling remain restricted to age 20 and above. Many municipalities still hold ceremonies for twenty-year-olds. The shift to 18 changed contract rules and voting age, but the cultural weight of twenty remains strong, and kimono rental companies still center their seasons on January.

Can tourists attend the ceremony?

Generally no, because it is for local residents who are invited. Tourists can enjoy the festive atmosphere around shrines and photo spots, respecting people's privacy and asking before taking pictures. A friendly nod or a quiet omedeto from a respectful distance is welcome, and local shrines and photo spots are the best places to enjoy the atmosphere.

Keep Exploring

More guides from Tokyo Paul: Shichi-Go-San: Children's Shrine Visit Customs, Sotsugyoshiki: Japanese Graduation Ceremonies and Nyugakushiki: School Entrance Ceremonies in Spring.