Coming of Age Day

　Becoming an adult, and being recognized as an adult is an important
thing. In the United states, we are considered to be adults when we
have our 18th birthday. We can do many things without our parents
permission. We can vote, we can join the military, we can gamble, we
can smoke (but not drink alcohol), and if we do something wrong, we
can go to jail. But there is no ceremony, no event, no celebration. For
such an important thing, there is nothing special to mark it. Hmm.
　Here, in Japan, Coming of Age Day is a national holiday. There are
ceremonies, there are a variety of events, there are celebrations. It is
recognized as an important time in a young person’s life. It is a day to
feel special!
　My son recently celebrated his “coming of age”. He got dressed up.
He enjoyed time with his old elementary school classmates one day, he
met with some old high school classmates another day, and on January
10, he attended the ceremony for Onojo-shi’s new adults. In all of the
photos, he really looked happy! I hope that he will enjoy being an adult,
and take advantage of all the opportunities to make a good future!