Life Milestones in Japan: Coming of Age

From birth through to old age, there are quite a number of life milestones celebrated in Japan. Many of these milestones have unique customs surrounding what to wear, what to eat, and what gifts to give. In this blog, we will introduce some of the milestones celebrated in Japanese culture, from infancy until the age of 20, the age of maturity in Japan.

Oshichiya – 7th day

Naturally, the first year of a child’s life is marked by new beginnings. Many of these firsts are celebrated formally in Japan. This all starts with oshichiya, the 7th day after a baby is born. On this day, parents celebrate the child’s safety since birth and hold a naming ceremony to decide on a name for the child.

Miyamairi – 1 month old

The next milestone comes a few weeks after oshichiya, when the child reaches 1 month of age. Miyamairi marks the child’s first visit to a Shinto shrine. Parents and grandparents dress the baby in celebration clothes and bring them to a shrine, usually one dedicated to ubusunagami, the gods of the land where babies are born. The parents thank the deities for the birth of the child and the priest of the shrine prays for the child’s health and happiness into the future.

Okuizome – 100th day

On the 100th day after a child’s birth, the culinary delights begin! The child’s “first meal”, okuizome, is held. The whole family gathers to prepare a celebratory meal, which they pretend to feed the baby with the wish that the child will never go hungry. The dishes served vary from region to region, but a typical okuizome meal includes fish with tail, red rice, boiled food, pickled vegetables, red and white rice cakes, and soup. 

Hatsutanjo – First birthday

After a busy first year, we finally arrive at the child’s first birthday! Rather than birthday cake, the child receives issho mochi, a large rice cake which they carry around on their back or even stand on, depending on the region. Additionally, a fortune-telling ritual called erabitori is held to predict the future and strengths of the baby. A number of symbolic objects – such as an abacus (for business) a brush (for creative pursuits), and a wallet (for financial success) – are placed around the baby. The one that the baby touches for the longest time is believed to reveal the area in which they will succeed in the future.

Shichi-go-san – 3, 5, and 7 years old

Every year on November 15th , Japanese people celebrate a traditional rite of passage for 3 year old boys and girls, 5 year old boys, and 7 year old girls. On shichi-go-san (literally “seven-five-three”), children of the right age dress in traditional clothes and visit their local shrine to express gratitude and pray for their safe growth and future plans.

Seijinshiki – Coming of Age Day

In Japan, 20 is traditionally considered the age at which a person fully reaches adulthood. Every year on the second Monday of January, a national celebration called seijinshiki is held to honor those who have reached the age of maturity in the previous year. Coming of age celebrations include speeches, gift giving, and wearing kimono.

About the author: 

Diarmuid O'Connor

Diarmuid is a writer and musician from Ireland, based in Tokyo. When not working on music in studios around the city, Diarmuid can be found in the bouldering gym, at the cinema, or enjoying a cold one in the local izakaya.