Every January, on the second Monday of the month, Japan celebrates Seijin no Hi (Coming of Age Day), a rite of passage marking the transition to adulthood. Traditionally, this milestone was marked at age 20, but since April 2022, the legal age of adulthood has been lowered to 18. Despite this change, many ceremonies continue to honor those turning 20. 

These 20-year-olds — now officially recognized as full members of society with the legal right to vote, drink, and smoke — don suits or elaborate furisode kimono, pose for commemorative photos with proud families, receive ceremonial speeches from officials and are urged to contribute responsibly to their communities.  

Once the formalities are over, though, a very different side of this cultural milestone emerges. Late-night revelry, rowdy gatherings and even police interventions are as much a part of Seijin no Hi as the attire and the speeches.  

Revisiting the Chaos

The history of rowdy Seijin no Hi moments is long and storied. Articles from the early 2000s recount explosive disruptions. In 2000, for instance, attendees threw firecrackers during ceremonies in Ibaraki Prefecture, temporarily halting proceedings. 

In Okinawa, seven people were arrested in 2002 for attempting to bring barrels of awamori liquor to the event. This resulted in clashes with the police. Even the international media criticized the chaos.  

In recent years, public mischief on Seijin no Hi has dwindled by comparison, yet notable incidents persist. In 2022, citizens from Tokyo’s Higashiyamato city were arrested for reckless motorcycle gang activity while en route to their ceremony. “I wanted to show that our generation could outshine others,” said one of the participants. 

Reasons for the Rebellion

Seijin no Hi represents more than a formal recognition of adulthood — it reflects the societal pressures young people face. Experts argue that unruly behavior during these ceremonies is often a form of resistance to the rigidity of Japanese society. As educator Hideaki Matsuo explains, if young adults can’t earn genuine recognition, they resort to chaos to feel like they are being seen. 

Still, some incidents stand out for their absurdity. One infamous case in 2004 involved a young man in Shizuoka Prefecture heckling the mayor, climbing the stage, tearing down banners and eating decorative flowers. 

The Beauty of Duality

While much has been done to curb such behavior — morning ceremonies and increased police presence are now common in regions like Kitakyushu and Okinawa — there’s debate about the balance between preserving tradition and allowing for youthful expression. Some suggest it’s less about eliminating rebellion and more about encouraging “better ways” to celebrate.  

Ultimately, Seijin no Hi encapsulates the duality of adulthood: tradition and individuality, responsibility and rebellion. For every young woman adjusting her kimono for a photo, there’s a story of someone singing a bit too loudly at a karaoke bar later that evening.

Seijin no Hi, with all its complexity, reflects the universal struggle of coming of age: embracing societal roles while still yearning for self-expression. It’s this interplay that keeps the tradition alive, reminding us that adulthood, at its core, is as much about chaos as it is about control.