Earlier this week, the city was awash with brilliant flashes of color for Seijin No Hi or Coming of Age Day. A celebration of young people becoming adults, ceremonies were held at local city offices for those who turned twenty in the past year. Across the country it’s common for youth to attend local shrines afterwards, so we visited Meiji Jingu to see this lovely celebration.
Similar to a debutante wearing a white dress, women wear a traditional furisode. With long sleeves and brightly colored silk, it is the most formal kind of kimono worn by single women. It is paired with zōri sandals and commonly accessorized with a fur collar. Some men also wear traditional kimono with hakama, but it was much more common to see them in a western suit and tie!
I loved seeing the city alive with women in traditional dress. Wearing sandals they seemed to glide along, with their decadent obis knotted behind them. There were so many fantastic colors and designs to admire, the patterns ranging from detailed geometric prints to sweeping landscapes. The hair ornaments were also particularly beautiful; from fresh flowers to traditional combs that flutter like blossoms.
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