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Photo essays: Your stories in pictures
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A coming-of-age celebration in Japan
Have you experienced a coming-of-age celebration? Some people may not know about this, but it’s an important traditional celebration in Japanese culture that I’d like to explain. I participated in this ceremony on January 14. In my town, Chiba city, it was held to celebrate new adults who have become 20 years old this year in a big arena.
On the day, I wore traditional Japanese clothes called Hurisode. It has long sleeves and is usually worn by unmarried women. When I wore it, I was out of breath because the Obi a kind of belt was tied tightly against my back. I also wore Zori, which are Japanese sandals usually worn with Japanese clothing. However, I was not used to wearing them, so it was difficult for me to walk. Moreover, it was snowing on the day. The arena was filled with women wearing colorful Hurisode and Zori. Most guys wore a suit, others wore Hakama, which also is Japanese traditional clothing, but it’s like more trousers and does not use the Obi. I rarely wear Hurisode, so I was really excited.
I met many old classmates from junior high and high school because a lot of people came from all over Chiba city. I was happy and enjoyed talking with them after a long separation. Everyone looked so grown-up.
The coming-of-age celebration was an important memory in my life. I want to have independence and responsibility as an adult from now on.
On the day, I wore traditional Japanese clothes called Hurisode. It has long sleeves and is usually worn by unmarried women. When I wore it, I was out of breath because the Obi a kind of belt was tied tightly against my back. I also wore Zori, which are Japanese sandals usually worn with Japanese clothing. However, I was not used to wearing them, so it was difficult for me to walk. Moreover, it was snowing on the day. The arena was filled with women wearing colorful Hurisode and Zori. Most guys wore a suit, others wore Hakama, which also is Japanese traditional clothing, but it’s like more trousers and does not use the Obi. I rarely wear Hurisode, so I was really excited.
I met many old classmates from junior high and high school because a lot of people came from all over Chiba city. I was happy and enjoyed talking with them after a long separation. Everyone looked so grown-up.
The coming-of-age celebration was an important memory in my life. I want to have independence and responsibility as an adult from now on.
- TAGS:
- tradition,
- japan,
- celebration
- GROUPS:
- CNN International,
- Creative
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