A few observations on how Coming of Age Day has changed over the years. Firstly, more photographers seem to be showing up. Particularly, at famous locations such as Meiji Jinga (shrine) in Tokyo.

It's a good thing for ceremony participants — they can be a celebrity for a day.



Guys aren't showing up in large numbers anymore. The ones who do aren't as well dressed as they once were. With the families of young women spending upwards of 1 million yen ($13,000 USD) for a kimono — there isn't much interest on the part of the men to spend even a fraction of that.

Job prospects have declined generation after generation in Japan. There's a sense of acceptance in Japan of a long slow inevitable decline. Perhaps young people are becoming disillusioned with elaborate traditions.





Youth being youth — optimism prevails despite the job market. Coming of Age Day's 20 year old participants look as optimistic and happy as ever.

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