Today is the coming of age ceremony in Japan. When a person reaches 20 years of age, they are considered to be an adult in Japan. Drinking alcohol is permitted from this age and you can enjoy a greater degree of freedom. On one hand, you become a full citizen, so at the same time, you also have new responsibilities as an adult, such as having to enroll in a pension plan and other duties.
People celebrate the adulthood of those reaching 20 on what is known as seijinnohi, or coming-of-age day. This celebration used to be held on January 15th, but it was moved to the second Monday of January in the year 2000. On the day, the girls wear Kimono called Furisode. The special feature of furisode is the long sleeves. Furisode gives the most spectacular impression out of all kimono types. Some people purchase their furisode, and some rent one. For renting furisode would cost 100,000 yen or more.
