A lot of Japanese traditions contain real beauty, but the kimono takes some beating, and on Coming of Age Day (Seijin no Hi), when the nation’s 20-year-olds are bequeathed the dubious accolade of adulthood, this stunning piece of clothing can be seen all over the capital.
Brightening otherwise rather drab bits of the city.
Such as the humble post office.
And the usually far from flattering photo booth.
The latter in fact being quite appropriate, as the day involves more than a few photographs for family and friends.
Along with an incredibly large contingent of camera-clutching spectators.
But most of all it seems like a day of fun. And one filled with lots of laughter.
David LaSpina / JapanDave says
Wonderful shots! Looks like you were busy. I had my camera with me all weekend, but saw about… zero dressed up kids. Granted, I was just walking around with my wife as she did her shopping, but in years past I’ve seen plenty this way. Oh well–always next year. Glad you could get so many good photos!
Lee says
Cheers David!
Last year I walked around my neighbourhood and similarly had very little to show for it, so opted for Shibuya and Harajuku this year. My plan was to try and get shots on Shibuya Crossing, but the light wasn’t so good, and the sheer number of people made get anything decent very tricky indeed. Luckily, however, there were people wearing those distinctive kimono all over the place, so it was just a matter of getting the images.
TigrouMeow says
I looked for them all over the place in Ginza, but same as you David, couldn’t caught any… I found “the cats” again though 😉
Lee says
I was in Ginza on Saturday, but didn’t see the cats. I did, however, see some dogs that were so elaborately dressed that they beggared belief. Pictures of which I’ll post next week.
AdelaideBen says
Great photos of a great day… it’s nice to see such fun being had. Then again coming of age is such a big occasion (or at least it used to be). Anyhow, it’s nice to see so much colour and culture combined. Good work.
Lee says
Cheers Ben! With so many people about shopping and what have you, it was quite a challenge, but one I thoroughly enjoyed.
Lizzy says
So nice to see such traditions still adhered to. I think I’d much prefer this to “Sweet 16”.
Lee says
Yeah, it is nice to see. As the number of youngsters gets ever smaller though, there’ll be less and less of them to see.
Linette says
Cultural question – do the boys do anything on this day?
Lee says
Yes, they attend the same ceremonies Linette, but most of them now just wear suits rather than kimonos, so they don’t stand out like their female counterparts. I did, however, see two fellas wearing traditional attire, which made for quite a sight, but unfortunately I couldn’t get any photos of them.
Jeffrey says
One of my favorite days of the year in Japan, along with college graduations. I think the Diet should take up a measure requiring Japanese women to wear kimono at least once a month (a sizeable subsidy is, of course, called for to provide dressers for those women who need them).
Marc T says
Nice shots! Also, nice photo of similar in the UK Guardian iPad app yesterday.
Lee says
Cheers Marc! That one in the Guardian/Observer is a cracker isn’t it? Never saw anything like that unfortunately.
Talita Turnes says
Amazing pictures, I love your work. The beauty of kimonos makes me want one.
You are right, a lot of japanese traditions contain real beauty.
I wish Brazil had good traditions like in Japan.
Lee says
Thank you. Glad to hear you liked them.
Japan may have many traditions, but every year the city still has a big Samba Canival!
! Border Breaker ! says
Nice pictures. Did you ask those girls for permission to take their picture? or do u you just take their picture right in front of them? i always feel nervous to do that.
Lee says
Thanks.
Nah, I don’t ask permission, as then the photo would be posed, and that’s not what I’m after. For most of my street photography I use an 85mm lens which allows me a bit of a distance between me and my subject, so more often than not I can get away without being noticed, resulting in a natural capture of a particular moment.
When I first started out doing this, I also felt a bit uncomfortable. And I still do in some situations. But the more I do it, the more comfortable I feel. And, when a nice moment is captured, like the girl by the photo booth, it all seems worthwhile.
Aniruddha says
Great pics…
I have been following this blog for close to 3 years now, and coming of age pics are always awesome.
Lee says
Thanks Aniruddha. And an even bigger thanks for sticking with me for such a long time!