Today I have the whole day off because today is a national holiday in Japan called "Coming of Age Day." It is held in order to congratulate and encourage all those who have reached the "age of majority" (20 years old) over the past year, and to help them realize that they have become adults. Activities include getting dressed up in fancy clothes, attending official ceremonies at local city government buildings and parties with families and friends.
We have talked a little about this holiday in some of my graduate school classes and all of the Japanese graduate students immediately whip out their phones and show us pictures of them in fancy clothes. The women wear a special and expensive type of kimono with long sleeves and sandals. The kimonos are so intricate and complicated that they take a long time and require help to be properly put on. Since the gowns are so pricey, nowadays it's common to rent or borrow instead of buying them. It's also popular to get one's hair done at a beauty salon. Guys have the option of wearing a traditional male kimono or a Western suit and tie.
Awhile back, before I knew anything about the holiday, I received a campus-wide email inviting foreigners to participate in the event by dressing up in kimonos. I RSVPd with a hearty 'yes' and got the reply that I couldn't participate because I didn't turn twenty years old this year. Bummer.
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