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Coming of Age Day

Embrace the journey into adulthood on Coming of Age Day! It's a milestone to honor growth, responsibility and the road ahead.

Monday

January 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATESecond Monday in January

OBSERVED INJapan

CATEGORYCulture

SUBCATEGORYAsian Heritage

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to celebrate a significant milestone in life on Coming of Age Day on January 8! Originating from Japan, this special day has been officially recognized since 1948 to congratulate and encourage all those who have turned or will turn 20—considered the age of maturity—in the past year. Embark on this exciting journey into adulthood, as we honor growth, responsibility, and the exciting road that lies ahead. This is the perfect time to reflect on the battles won, lessons learned, and the wonderful memories we've created during our adolescence. So buckle up! Here's to turning the page to a new chapter, and embracing the many adventures that await you!

TIMELINE

Coming of Age Day Timeline

Origins in Nara Period

The custom of celebrating adulthood can be traced back to Japan's Nara period when a young prince donned new robes and a hairstyle to mark his passage into adulthood.

Yanagibashi Ceremony

In the Edo period, samurai families would hold a Yanagibashi ceremony to celebrate their son's coming of age.

Official Recognition

Japan established Coming of Age Day as a national holiday to encourage those who have newly entered adulthood and help them realize their responsibilities.

Holiday Date Change

The date of Coming of Age Day changed from January 15 to the second Monday of January due to the Happy Monday System.

Modern Celebrations

Today, Coming of Age Day ceremonies are held at local city offices and include speeches from government officials, and gifts for the new adults.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Coming of Age Day

Host a "20" themed party

The perfect way to commemorate the transition into adulthood is to throw a party! But not just any party—a "20" themed party. Encourage guests to bring gifts that represent their own experiences of turning 20, or ones that they believe will be useful for the new adulthood journey.

WRITE

Write a letter to your future self

Take this opportunity to reflect on your journey thus far and your hopes for the future. Write a letter to your 30-year-old self that you can look back on in a decade.

CHOOSE

Choose your "adult" symbol

Select any item that you consider as a symbol of adulthood—it could be a pair of cufflinks, a kitchen appliance, or even a plant—it's up to you. The symbolic gesture is meant to help fully embrace your new mature status.

DONATE

Donate childhood items

With this transition to grownup status, you might not have as much need for your childhood items. Consider donating these items to kids who will be more than happy to enjoy them. It's an act of kindness and a step towards growing up.

START

Start a new tradition

Why not commemorate your coming of age with a new yearly tradition? It could be anything from travelling to a new place or trying a new activity each year. This would not only celebrate your growth, but also encourage continual learning and exploration throughout your adulthood.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love Coming of Age Day

Promotes Creativity and Traditions

Coming of Age Day allows for creative ways to celebrate. Whether through hosting a themed party, crafting a letter to future self or creating a unique adulthood symbol, this holiday encourages personal creativity. It also encourages the starting of new traditions to commemorate growth and promote exploration throughout adulthood.

Emphasis on Personal Development

Coming of Age Day is beautiful because it encourages reflection of past experiences and building personal growth. On this day, we are encouraged to think about our adolescence, the battles won, lessons learned, and the memories we've created. It triggers a sense of developmental accomplishment and inspires the setting of goals for the future.

Celebration of Maturity

The name ‘Coming of Age Day’ signifies growth and maturity and the celebration itself presents an opportunity to honor this milestone in life. Turning 20 is recognized as transitioning into adulthood across several cultures. This day prompts us to explore our newfound adulthood and encourages further responsibility.

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