The Coming-of-Age Ceremony at the Imperial Palace
- Yuki sensei
- Sep 5, 2025
- 5 min read
History, Traditions, and Cultural Significance
On September 6, 2025, the Imperial Palace in Tokyo will host a special ritual known as the Seinen-shiki (成年式 せいねんしき) the Coming-of-Age Ceremony for members of the Japanese Imperial Family. Unlike a simple birthday celebration, this is a highly formal, historic event that symbolizes the transition of young royals into adulthood and their readiness to serve the nation.
This article will guide you through the history of the ceremony, the flow of events, the meaning behind the traditional costumes, and its modern cultural role. By the end, you will not only understand the unique aspects of this imperial ritual but also gain insights into Japanese values surrounding adulthood, tradition, and responsibility.
What Is the Imperial Coming-of-Age Ceremony?
In Japan, the age of adulthood was legally lowered to 18 in 2022. However, for the Imperial Family, the Coming-of-Age Ceremony remains an essential tradition marking a royal’s official entry into adulthood.
During the ceremony, the young royal is formally presented to the Emperor and Empress, acknowledges their new responsibilities, and symbolically steps into the role of an adult member of the Imperial Household.
For Japanese citizens, the ceremony represents a moment of connection with the Imperial Family, highlighting both the continuity of tradition and the hope placed in the next generation of royals.
A Look Back: The Historical Roots
The Coming-of-Age Ceremony has deep roots in Japan’s past, tracing back to rituals known as genpuku (元服) for men and mogi (裳着) for women in the Heian period (794–1185).
Genpuku (元服): Aristocratic boys changed their hairstyle, put on adult clothing, and sometimes even adopted a new name to mark their transition into manhood.
Mogi (裳着): For noble girls, this ceremony involved wearing the formal skirt called mo, symbolizing their entry into womanhood.
The current Imperial Coming-of-Age Ceremony carries forward the essence of these traditions. It is not merely an internal family event but a nationally significant ritual that demonstrates the Imperial Family’s role as a cultural custodian of Japan’s heritage.
The Flow of the Ceremony
Although the ceremony is not open to the general public, its format follows a solemn and carefully preserved tradition:
General schedule of the ceremony (program and time)
8:00 AM Crowning Ceremony (秋篠宮邸 : Prince Akishino Residence)
10:00 AM Crowning Ceremony (春秋の間 : Imperial Palace, Shunju Room)
Time TBD AM Audiences with the Kashikodokoro, Koreiden, and Shinden (宮中三殿 : Three Imperial Palace Sanctuaries)
2:00 PM Morning Audience Ceremony (松の間 : Matsu Room)
Time TBD PM Awards Ceremony (表御在所 : Omotegozasho Room)
3:00 PM Congratulatory Reception by the Grand Master of the Imperial Household Agency and Others (千草・千鳥の間 : Chigusa and Chidori Rooms)
Time TBD PM Greetings with the Emperor and Empress at 仙洞御所 : Sento Imperial Palace / Private Banquet in the Evening.
Ancillary Events:
September Visit to Ise Grand Shrine and the Tomb of Emperor Jimmu
September 9: Visit to the Tomb of Emperor Showa
September 10: Luncheon (明治記念館 : Meiji Memorial Hall)
The ceremony itself is private, but photographs and reports are usually released to the media, allowing the public to witness the dignity and symbolism of the moment.
Traditional Costumes: A Window into Japanese History
One of the most striking aspects of the Coming-of-Age Ceremony is the use of traditional court attire, which connects the present Imperial Family to Japan’s ancient past.
1. For Male Royals: Sokutai (束帯)
A court dress worn by noblemen in the Heian period.
Made of flowing silk with wide sleeves, layered robes, and a long trailing hem.
Accompanied by a tall black hat (kanmuri).
Symbolizes dignity, authority, and the continuity of imperial tradition.
束帯（Sokutaii）Prince Akishino wearing a sewn robe and a crown with a hanging cord at the Coming of Age Ceremony (Photo courtesy of the Imperial Household Agency) Source: Joseijisshin article (https://jisin.jp/koushitsu/2355505/4/)
2. For Female Royals: Jūnihitoe (十二単)
Literally “twelve layers,” though the number varies.
Made of multiple layers of silk robes, each carefully selected for seasonal and symbolic color combinations.
Extremely heavy (sometimes more than 10 kg), but visually stunning, representing both grace and status.
Each color and fabric has meaning, often linked to nature, seasons, and rank.
十二単（Junihitoe）The Empress wearing the twelve-layered ceremonial kimono worn at the Enthronement Ceremony (provided by the Imperial Household Agency) Source: Sankei Shinbun article (https://www.sankei.com/gallery/20191022-MWZJ5XBXMBLZZKF6ATJ6MO7HWU/)
These costumes are more than decorative—they embody the weight of history, tradition, and responsibility carried by the Imperial Family.
Why the Ceremony Matters Today
In today’s modern Japan, where most citizens mark adulthood with a city-hosted Coming-of-Age Day (Seijin no Hi) in January, the Imperial Coming-of-Age Ceremony might appear highly formalized. Yet, it has several important functions:
Symbol of Tradition: It preserves continuity with Japan’s thousand-year-old court culture.
Public Connection: Citizens feel closer to the Imperial Family by witnessing young royals stepping into their roles.
International Role: Newly adult royals begin participating in public duties, ceremonies, and sometimes international diplomacy.
Educational Value: It highlights the balance between embracing modernity and respecting historical traditions.
In this sense, the ceremony is not only about the individual royal—it is about Japan itself, showcasing how the nation honors its past while looking to the future.
Comparing with Other Cultures
For international readers, the Imperial Coming-of-Age Ceremony might be compared to:
Quinceañera (Latin America): Celebrating a girl’s 15th birthday with cultural and religious rituals.
Bar and Bat Mitzvah (Judaism): Marking the age of religious responsibility.
Debutante Balls (Western societies): Introducing young women to society.
While the forms differ, the underlying message is the same: recognizing young people as responsible members of their community.
Conclusion
The Imperial Coming-of-Age Ceremony at the Imperial Palace is much more than a royal event. It is a living tradition that embodies Japanese history, values, and the idea of responsibility that comes with adulthood.
From the elegant sokutai and jūnihitoe costumes to the formal greetings exchanged in the Imperial Palace, every detail reflects centuries of cultural heritage. For Japan, it is a reminder of continuity and hope in the younger generation of royals. For international readers, it offers a rare glimpse into the intersection of history, ritual, and modern life.
How do you celebrate coming of age in your country?
At Yuki’s Japanese Language School, we don’t just teach the Japanese language—we also explore the traditions, culture, and systems that shape Japan today. Our lessons are fully customized to your interests and goals, so you can learn Japanese in a way that connects deeply with your curiosity.
I look forward to seeing you in the next lesson!
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