Coming-of-age ceremony in Japan -1-

Every January, the Japanese who have reached their 20th year are invited to their local City Halls to celebrate their "coming of age." 

 
It was a city in Saitama prefecture, north of Tokyo, which began encouraging young people at difficult period after the war. 

Adults were feeling responsible about the radical change of values. 

It is difficult to think that the modern ceremony was related to Shintoism, which was largely utilized by military government.

The first celebration in the Saitama city was held under temporary canvas roof in an elementary school garden. 

Today, the second Monday of January is the national holiday for "coming-of-age." In today's Japan, the ceremony has, for better and worse, become more and more luxurious. Parents often buy their daughter a kimono costing 600,000 yen. This kimono is a special one. Generally, the girl doesn't wear it more than three times in her life.