As Japan’s population rapidly ages, traditional Coming of Age Day practices aren’t nearly so noticeable, with the number of those making their move into adulthood this year registering another record low — this time a meagre 1.33 million, which is a paltry 1.04 percent of the population.
However, while the streets yesterday weren’t exactly teeming with former teens in traditional attire, there were still a few bright spots among the vast swathes of silver seniors. The furisode favoured by females in particular offering a considerable amount of colour to the commonplace,
concrete,
and campus.
Plus even an excursion to meet family and friends or attend a function added a certain amount of charm to the station.
And indeed the street.
(click images for full-sized full citizens)
supreme nothing says
The colors and patterns of their kimonos are just gorgeous! Wonderful photos. It’s too bad that less and less young adults participate in this tradition. But then again, when I was in my late teens I didn’t appreciate anything that reeked of being “traditional” at all.
You blog is one of favorites, by the way. I lurk it frequently but the photos above finally compelled me to type a comment!
Lee says
Thanks supreme nothing. Glad you like the site and pictures.
S in Shanghai says
Very nice tradition. I know of no such tradition here in Shanghai, but maybe in some of the minorities. I should have asked them when I was in Xishuangbanna a few weeks ago.
Nice photoes recently Lee, I follow your blog, and imagine you updated your equipment.
/S
Lee says
Yeah, new body and lens S in Shangai. The latter in particular has made a real difference.
Glad you noticed!
Jason says
Nice variety of shots Lee. I went out to Meiji Jingu to join the hoard of photographers there and it was like the red carpet at the Oscars. Girls just stood in front of a line of photographers and let themselves be photographed and ogled ad nauseam.
After about 30 minutes I finally caved too and joined the paparrazi. The girls were standing around wanting to be photographed though, so not so bad I guess.
Yes, it’s all about the lens. Have you already mentioned what new lens you got? I might be able to get my next lens (or D300 body) sooner than I expected.
Lee says
It may have been busy Jason, but I saw your pics on Flickr and it looked well worth the trouble.
The new lens I got was the Nikkor 85mm 1.4D AF. Have hardly had it off the camera since I bought it — a fantastic piece of kit. I debated for a long while whether to get the 1.8 as it’s considerably cheaper (about a third of the price I think), but from what I could see the results simply weren’t comparable. Bokeh wise anyway.
In the end I got a second hand one in great condition from Fujiya Camera in Nakano. Still not cheap mind, but worth every penny.
And then some to be honest.
Jason says
Thanks for the follow-up Lee. I am definitely considering one of the Nikkor 85mm for my next lens purchase. I am glad to read your opinion on the 1.8D versus 1.4D as they are radically different in price.