The Taste Of Freedom
ASIAN Geographic|AG 157
Coming of age in Japan has evolved from an ancient rite of passage to a raucous festival
Alex Campbell
The Taste Of Freedom

Every year, groups of young Japanese men clad in designer business suits and women donning traditional furisode (kimonos worn by single women) gather to celebrate their coming of age through a riotous – and opulent – day of celebration. Held annually on the second Monday in January, the Coming of Age Day – Seijin-no-Hi – allows those who turned 20 in the previous year (or who will do so before March 31 in the current year) to celebrate as they are officially declared “adults”, with the right to drink, smoke and gamble. (The age of adulthood was lowered from 20 to 18 on April 1, 2022. However, the legal age for drinking, smoking, and gambling remains 20, so most Japanese municipalities continue to host the event for 20-year-olds.)

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM ASIAN GEOGRAPHICView all
A Spectrum Of Scarlet: The Symbolic Red Of Asian Flags
ASIAN Geographic

A Spectrum Of Scarlet: The Symbolic Red Of Asian Flags

A common thread that unites many Asian flags is the prominent use of red, a colour rich with symbolism

time-read
4 mins  |
AG 165
Curry: A World of Flavour, Tradition, and Culture
ASIAN Geographic

Curry: A World of Flavour, Tradition, and Culture

From its humble beginnings in India, the concept of "curry" has evolved into a culinary language understood around the world

time-read
7 mins  |
AG 165
The Power Of Asian Red Fruits - Discover 10 Nutrient-Rich Gems Of The East
ASIAN Geographic

The Power Of Asian Red Fruits - Discover 10 Nutrient-Rich Gems Of The East

In the vast tapestry of Nature, Asia has gifted the world an array of unique and vibrant fruits, particularly those in shades of red. These scarlet-hued gems, packed with flavour and nutrients, not only add a burst of colour to your plate but also carry valuable health benefits. From antioxidant-rich goji berries to the exotic dragon fruit, let's explore some of the most popular red fruits from Asia and discover why they should be part of your diet.

time-read
5 mins  |
AG 165
Bhutan: A World Of Its Own
ASIAN Geographic

Bhutan: A World Of Its Own

With its majestic monasteries, red-robed monks, charming rural villages, and vibrant festivals, the Kingdom of Bhutan is a Himalayan paradise that promises an enriching travel experience like no other

time-read
3 mins  |
AG 165
Take The Red Pill
ASIAN Geographic

Take The Red Pill

From the vermilion torii gates of Japan to the famed rust-hued walls of India's Agra Fort, the burgundy robes of Burmese monks to scarlet chillies drying in the Bangladeshi sun, red is the quintessential colour of Asia.

time-read
3 mins  |
AG 165
70 Days for Our Land Animals
ASIAN Geographic

70 Days for Our Land Animals

Raising awareness about conservation, the environment, and the land-dwelling species of the world

time-read
2 mins  |
AG 165
The Red Panda
ASIAN Geographic

The Red Panda

Meet the elusive guardian of the Eastern Himalayas

time-read
4 mins  |
AG 165
Revealed Doctor Yellow
ASIAN Geographic

Revealed Doctor Yellow

Japan Railways' special lemony Shinkansen is a rare sight to behold

time-read
3 mins  |
AG 164
The Mighty Yellow
ASIAN Geographic

The Mighty Yellow

Over 5,000 kilometres long and flowing through nine provinces and autonomous regions, the Yellow River is China's second largest, after the Yangtze, while its basin is deemed the cradle of Chinese civilisation

time-read
3 mins  |
AG 164
Wildlife Big Yellow Beauty
ASIAN Geographic

Wildlife Big Yellow Beauty

The popular "amelanistic" form of the Burmese python is considered among the most beautiful snakes - if that's your sort of thing

time-read
4 mins  |
AG 164