Seijinshiki 成人式
Hosted by the Japanese Friendship Garden and Museum, the Coming of Age Ceremony (Japanese: "Seijin-shiki")* is an important rite of passage for many young Japanese adults in Japan, just turning twenty. Many attend a ceremony at their local community center, dressed in traditional kimono or western suits to celebrate the new chapter in their lives. Unmarried women have the chance to wear the elaborate long-sleeved kimono called Furisode. Families and friends will take many photos together on this occasion. Students from all cultures and backgrounds are highly encouraged to participate in this event. Kimono rental service is available upon request and participants are welcome to wear any other formal or cultural attire. The ceremony will include inspirational speeches, musical and cultural performances and light food and beverages.
Date: Sunday, January 5th, 2025 Kimono dressing begins at 10am and the ceremony starts at 1:00pm.
Location: Japanese Friendship Garden and Museum, Inamori Pavilion (Lower Garden)
*Inquiries can be e-mailed to Alex Horn at education@niwa.org
Participant Photoshoot Reservation fee (Suggested for those 18 - 22 years of age): $100 members $110 non members. $35 for each guest attending.
Includes full access to JFGM, photoshoot, and refreshments at the Inamori Pavilion. Please note that kimono rentals and dressings are made separately — see below for more information. Please be sure to identify who guests are by providing all of their names in the participation registration form.
Seijinshiki photoshoot will be conducted by Pacific Fusion Photography and includes portrait style images by the Inamori Pavilion waterfall and other scenic areas.
We guarantee to provide 10 minimum edited images per guest.
- Most of cases, we will be able to provide a lot more than 10.
- The number can vary. For example, those coming with family members or guests might receive more than those coming alone.
- RAW data or failed images will not be sent to participants.
Kimono Rental + Dressing or Kimono Dressing only (reserved and sold separately)
Kimono rentals and dressing are arranged separately through Yuko Niwa. After completing your registration, please contact Yuko at yukoniwa@gmail.com . Be sure to mention the Japanese Friendship Garden and Museum’s Coming of Age Ceremony when inquiring for your request. Also note that their may be time and/or inventory limitations when inquiring for a kimono rental & dressing.
Ceremony Requirements
Once registered, participants are required to send our education and programs coordinator photos as instructed in the acknowledgement email. Please send them to education@niwa.org
Ceremony rehearsals will be held on Sunday, December 29th from 12:00pm-1:00pm. While not required, participants are asked to attend rehearsal to ensure a smooth ceremony.
Due to space, participants may have up to 5 guests registered.
Refund Policy
Refund requests made by December 29th, 2024 will incur a $15 admin fee. Refunds, credits, and cancellations of any kind after December 29th, 2024 will not be accepted and considered a donation to JFGM. Thank you for your understanding.
JFGm Safety Policies
View all of JFGM’s safety policies during public hours by clicking here. By visiting the Japanese Friendship Garden and Museum, guests assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19. JFGM does not provide any essential services during a state of emergency or pandemic. JFGM encourages everyone to educate themselves and follow the guidelines and policies set by national health organizations, the State, and the County they reside in.