If you find yourself walking around any city in Japan during early January, you might come across a gaggle of young men and women wearing traditional Japanese clothes.
Unless you’ve somehow crossed paths with an Edo-era reenactment group, what you are seeing are a collection of newly minted 20 year-olds celebrating Japan’s annual Coming Of Age Day held on the second Monday of every January. Whether the sun is out or the ground is coated in several inches of snow, young adults across the country put on their finest duds and mark their arrival at being a grown up.
This national holiday – regardless of one’s age, most people across the island get the day off – has been observed for thousands of years. Historians peg the origins of Coming Of Age Day to the 700’s, when a burgeoning prince marked the end of his childhood by putting on fancy robes and getting a sweet new haircut. For a while, only royals indulged in these practices, but eventually common folks picked up the tradition as well.
For centuries, boys observed Coming Of Age Day at 15, while girls did it at 13. In 1876, though, the age of adulthood was declared to be 20. That number marks the point where young adults can legally do all sorts of things associated with grown-up-dom – they can vote, drink alcohol and smoke tobacco among other things. Of course, being fully-grown entails far more than casting ballots and getting hammered – Coming Of Age Day is ultimately more about recognizing that you are now a self-functioning individual, and the responsibilities that come with it.
Maybe that’s part of the reason why local government offices across the country hold the actual ceremony portion of the day. Anyone with a birthday between Apr. 2 of the previous year and the forthcoming Apr. 1 can attend – so you don’t have to be 20, per se, just close enough – can attend the morning event, which features officials giving speeches. On top of that, they hand out small presents to all of the newly crowned adults.
Yet that’s just a molecule of what Coming Of Age Day is all about. It really revs up in the days before the second Monday, when young folks start renting out clothes and getting professional photos taken of them in their fancy attire. Women wear furisode, a type of kimono boasting wide sleeves, along with zori sandals. Men traditionally have put on darker kimono, but in modern times many now choose to wear nice suits for the day. This is big business for the kimono industry and shops that rent them out, with some going for the equivalent of $1000 – to rent for the day.
After all the photo taking and government ceremonies, what do fresh-faced adults go and do? They meet up with friends to celebrate Coming Of Age Day on their own, usually walking through the city while still in their nice clothes (hey, did you see the prices above, best make the most of it) and, later in the evening having a party with friends or family.
Chances are if you are walking around any populated area in Japan on the second Monday of January, you’ll come across some snazzy looking youth. But if you want to see them all congregated in one place, you are going to have to head down to a local government office.
As a general rule, the bigger the neighborhood, the bigger the celebration – some tiny town out in Chiba will have something going on, but you’ll see a lot more excitement hitting up the Shibuya neighborhood of Tokyo. Another good choice would be to go to a big temple, as many celebrating the day will head to one to pray for good fortune. In Tokyo, the famous Meiji-Jingu shrine near Harajuku is the top spot to take it all in.
You don’t even really have to be near any government outposts or temples to check it out – head to Shibuya, Shinjuku, Nakano or the downtown part of any big city and you will see dozens of people clad in colorful furisode from morning until the late afternoon. This, after all, is the start of thousands of young Japanese people’s adult lives – they are going to savor it.
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The 2024 holiday campaign by CASETiFY, the global lifestyle brand that advocates for its customers to embrace their individuality with its customizable smartphone cases and tech accessories, has officially begun. Nagomi has been named an ambassador for this year’s CASETiFY Holiday Gift Guide. The key message of the campaign is “You will definitely find the perfect gift for that special someone.” The Holiday Gift Guide features a selection of gifts selected by Nagomi either for yourself or a loved one at CASETiFY's official online store and physical stores. On December 14, Nagomi will hold at event at CASETiFY STUDIO Shibuya PARCO.
Information
Nagomi Holiday Gift Event
Date: December 14, 2024, 12:00~
Venue: CASETiFY STUDiO Shibuya PARCO (Tokyo)
*Times are subject to change.[Content]
・Autographs by Nagomi on product displays in the store
・Holiday Gift Selection advice from Nagomi
・Polaroid photo shoot with select fans
・Special gift giving from Nagomi[How to Participate]
Make any purchase at participating stores between November 25 and December 13
*Participating Stores: Shibuya PARCO, Ikebukuro PARCO, Shinjuku Marui[Participation Details]
From November 25 to December 13, keep any receipts from purchases made at Shibuya PARCO, Ikebukuro PARCO, or Shinjuku Marui and bring them to CASETiFY STUDIO. On December 14, CASETiFY STUDiO will distribute 30 numbered tickets at the store on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 11:00 AM when the store opens. Numbered tickets will be distributed until they are gone.Holiday Gift Guide Official Site
https://www.casetify.com/collection/holiday-gift-guide -
[Channel47] Inbound Travel Product Allowing Visitors to Experience the “Real Japanese Countryside” in Iida, Nagano Prefecture Now on Sale
As part of the ongoing Channel47 project, which uses the power of local resources and entertainment to share Japan and its local culture with the world, a new travel experience titled ‘DEEP EXPERIENCE THE INAKA -TENRYUKYO・IIDA CITY-’ is now on sale, taking visitors to Iida, Nagano Prefecture. Iida City in Nagano Prefecture will be the location for the tour, with the city selected by the Japan Tourism Agency in 2024 for its ‘Project to Promote Expansion and Quality of Inbound Tourism by Providing Special Experiences for Visitors.’ The Minami Shinshu Tourism Bureau helped to create the tour for inbound travelers to experience the “real” Japanese countryside found in the Tenryu Gorge area of Iida City by funding farmhouse homestays in the area. By creating a travel experience that takes advantage of the local resources of Tenryu Gorge in Iida City, we aim to promote sustainable tourism activities by communicating the charm of the region to people in both Japan and abroad, revitalizing local production, passing on traditional culture, and strengthening cooperation between local communities.Information
■Tour Name
DEEP EXPERIENCE THE INAKA -TENRYUKYO・IIDA CITY-■Tour Summary
This is a special tour that allows inbound visitors to experience the traditional culture and beautiful landscapes of Minami-Shinshu. By participating, guests can leave the hustle and bustle of the big city behind, appreciating the true essence of Japan by spending time in the quiet region of Tenryukyo, Iida City, Nagano Prefecture.◼︎Main Points
・A Three-day, two-night all-inclusive tour departing from JR Toyohashi Station with time spent in the Tenryukyo area in Iida City, Nagano Prefecture
・An exclusive train car on the JR Iida Line
・Special snacks and drinks supervised by Yukimoto, a famous restaurant in Iida that was awarded Gold on Tabelog.
・Various experiences in nature in each of the four seasons (such as rafting on the Tenryu River, scenic sky walk, agriculture and livestock farming experiences, etc.)
・Experience traditional Japanese culture (mochi pounding, Fire Festival, Wayuraku, Ningyo Joururi, etc.)
・Stay in a farmhouse homestay to experience real life in the Japanese countryside◼︎Dates
① January 10-12, 2025
② January 12-14, 2025
③ January 17-19, 2025
④ January 19-21, 2025
⑤ January 24-26, 2025◼︎Optional Menu
Dinner at ‘Yukimoto’
*Courses and drinks are not included in the tour price.◼︎Details/Contact
Minami Shinshu Tourism Bureau Sales Page: https://www.mstb.jp/gentei/deepexperience_the_inaka/
Official Tour Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inaka_tenryukyo/ -
On October 4th (Friday), an event featuring a collaborative stage with ASOBISYSTEM was held at the nightclub "The Stranger,” operated by Outside The Box Amusements (OTBA), in New York City. The Stranger is a vibrant nightclub known for its lively atmosphere and unique events. At the event, performers MONSTER GIRL from "KAWAII MONSTER CAFE" and DELIC GIRL from New York's "SUSHIDELIC" took the stage, both brands produced by artist Sebastian Masuda. Sebastian Masuda himself also made an appearance as a guest DJ, captivating the audience with unique and energetic performances alongside the performers from The Stranger. This stage marks the first collaboration between ASOBISYSTEM and The Stranger, with plans for further collaborative content in New York and Japan in the future. Through this global exchange, we will promote Japan's proud KAWAII culture to the world.
Two Halloween Parties Held at SUSHIDELIC
In celebration of its first anniversary, SUSHIDELIC NY, a sushi restaurant in New York's SoHo district, hosted Halloween parties on October 25 and October 26. The vibrant restaurant transformed into a dark-themed space for a limited time, creating a thrilling and immersive experience with a unique atmosphere and special performances. The restaurant is also offering a Halloween menu through October 31. Enjoy the pure imagination of Halloween with SUSHIDELIC’s exclusive menu, available for a limited time.Information
＜SUSHIDELIC NY＞
住所：177 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10013
定休日：月曜日Website：https://www.sushidelic.net
Instagram：@sushidelic.nyc
予約：https://resy.com/cities/new-york-ny/venues/sushidelic?seats＜KAWAII MONSTER CAFE＞
Instagram：@kawaiimonstercafe
TikTok：@kawaiimonstercafe
Online Shop：https://kawaiimonstercafe.shop/＜The Stranger＞
Instagram：@thestrangernyc
Website：https://www.thestrangernyc.com/
運営会社：https://otba.com/ -
On November 27, Toua will release her first EP, I am I, both physically and digitally. The lead track on the EP, I am I, became a hot topic following its July release, with over 10,000 TikTok videos in just three weeks. Also included is Young -MINE remix-, TREKKIE TRAX’s Afro-pop rearrangement of the popular 2022 song highlighting the emotions and struggles that teens face. The EP includes four songs in total, from MY Routine, a reggaeton bop with lyrics by up-and-coming rapper Minami Nakamura, and MEmories, a Y2K-inspired song composed by ‘Carpainter’ from MEZZ and TREKKIE TRAX CREW. With the message of “I, MY, ME, MINE” in each song title, the EP expresses the importance of loving yourself as you are and embracing self-expression. The cover artwork was created by Keisuke Shimizu once again, who has worked as creative director for THE FIRST TAKE and NHK's music documentary Okaeri Ongakushitsu. “To extract Toua’s character, I decided to highlight her most impactful parts,” Shimizu said. “Even if you only look at the hands, feet, nose, lips, or other body parts, you can easily recognize that it is Toua. That's proof that she is truly iconic!” The EP will be available in two forms: a Limited First Edition including a 12-inch record-size paper jacket with a CD, a B2-size poster, and a lyrics card, and a Standard Edition including a paper jacket with a CD and an 8-page booklet. Listeners are invited to enjoy the Gen Z icon’s music and visuals together. In addition, select CD shops and online stores will hand out special purchase bonuses while supplies last. Release events will also be held in various locations, with details scheduled to be revealed soon.
Information
I am I – Toua (1st EP)
Release Date: November 27, 2024Limited First Edition
12-inch Paper Jacket
CD+B2-size Poster / Lyrics card
AMT-10001 / ¥2,750 (Tax Included)Standard Edition
Paper Jacket
CD+8-page Booklet
AMT-10002 / ¥1,650 (Tax Included)Pre-order here
https://lnk.to/EP_IamI_CD[Tracklist]
1. I am I
2. MY Routine
3. MEmories
4. Young – MINE remix-[Purchase Bonuses by Store]
■Amazon.co.jp
Limited First Edition / Standard Edition: Mega Jacket (JKT Photo)■Rakuten Books
Limited First Edition / Standard Edition: Acrylic Keychain (JKT Photo)■Seven Net Shopping
Limited First Edition / Standard Edition: Pin (JKT Photo)<Release Event Information>
Date: November 26, 2024
Venue: Tower Records Shibuya Store B1F CUTUP STUDIODate: November 27, 2024
Venue: Asunal Kanayama Event SpaceDate: December 1, 2024
Venue: Abeno Q’s MALL 3F Sky Court*More details will be announced at a later date. Please do not contact the venues.
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On November 15, MANON released her new song Growing Pains. MANON often appears on Spotify’s ‘hyperpop’ playlist and has performed with many popular artists, such as six impala and Alice Longyu Gao. The artist continues to captivate audiences with her blend of hyperpop and gal culture paired with iconic visuals and recently modeled for SHIBUYA109’s 45th-anniversary campaign. While working on her side project bala and collaborating with edhiii boi, RAU DEF, and others, MANON has completed her new song, marking her first solo release in over a year. The new track was produced by popular trackmaker KOTONOHOUSE, who collaborated with MANON on Friday night彡☆ in 2023. Four years after moving to Tokyo from Fukuoka, the 22-year-old singer expresses her frustrations and struggles straightforwardly through her lyrics. MANON sings over an emotional rock mix, making this the most anthemic song in MANON's career. Additionally, a new artist photo was released alongside the track.
Information
Growing Pains – MANON (Digital Single)
Release Date: November 15, 2024
Streaming URL: https://orcd.co/manon_growing_pains
Available on all major music download and streaming sites. -
KAWAII LAB.’s New Program ‘KAWAII LAB.’s Road to Being Super KAWAII’ Begins, KAWAII LAB. to Hold 3rd Anniversary Performance
Idol project KAWAII LAB. kicked off its new program, KAWAII LAB’s Road to Being Super KAWAII, on TV Asahi’s official YouTube channel ‘Douga, Hajimetemimashita.’ KAWAII LAB. groups FRUITS ZIPPER, CANDY TUNE, SWEET STEADY, and CUTIE STREET will participate in the program, featuring projects that transcend group boundaries. In addition, a special third anniversary performance, KAWAII LAB. 3rd Anniversary Special LIVE ‘Watashitachino Ichiban Kawaiitokoro,’ will take place on February 22, 2025 at K Arena Yokoyama. All KAWAII LAB. groups will perform, including a mixed unit performance exclusively for the event. Tickets are now available for pre-order. A collaboration cafe will be held at the EX Garden Cafe in the atrium on the first floor of TV Asahi’s headquarters from November 14 until December 26 to celebrate the start of the new program and the KAWAII LAB. special live performance at K Arena Yokohama. Visitors can enjoy food and drinks inspired by each group in the decorated restaurant, and original goods will also be available. [Member Comments] FRUITS ZIPPER: Yui Sakurai “I’m so happy to start a new program with all of KAWAII LAB. We’ll keep updating ourselves to become super KAWAII! We hope to make this a weekly program that everyone who watches will enjoy.” CANDY TUNE: Nanako Ogawa “When I heard about this project for the first time, I was happy & surprised! Every member of KAWAII LAB is so charming, and I hope that we can convey that through this program. I want to do my best so that everyone who watches this program will love it!” SWEET STEADY: Nagisa Shoji “I’m very happy and looking forward to the start of this new program! I haven't been able to talk a lot with members from other groups yet, so I’ll be happy to take part in a lot of girl's talk on this show. I’ll do my best to make sure everyone enjoys the show!” CUTIE STREET: Emiru Kawamoto “I’m nervous about starting this new program, but I want to make it something that will cheer up the people watching! We had a lot of fun and laughed so much during the first recording, so we’ll be sure to bring smiles to everyone's faces.”Information
<Program Information>
Title: KAWAII LAB’s Road to Being Super KAWAII (KAWAII LAB. no Chou Kawaii he no Michi)
Where to Watch: TV Asahi’s Official YouTube channel ‘Douga, Hajimetemimashita’
Airing: Tuesdays at 18:00
URL: https://youtu.be/t3GSdL9njZY<Performance Information>
KAWAII LAB. 3rd Anniversary Special LIVE ‘Watashitachino Ichiban Kawaiitokoro’
Date: February 22, 2025
Time: Doors open 13:00 / Show starts 15:00
Venue: K Arena Yokohama (Kanagawa Prefecture)Tickets: Favorite Member Ticket *with bonus limited edition goods: ￥15,000 (Tax Included) General Ticket: ￥8,000 (Tax Included)
Details: https://kawaiilab.asobisystem.com/
<Collaboration Cafe Information>
Collaboration Period: November 14 – December 26, 2024
Venue: TV Asahi Headquarters 1st Floor Atrium – EX Garden Cafe (Tokyo)
Details: https://kawaiilab.asobisystem.com/news/detail/35577
Reservations: https://lin.ee/YSaxp7V