Seijin – No -Hi
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3 and 4: Joanne and Valerie
Y: Welcome to todays episode of City Spotlights.
M: Im Mary and this is Yoana and well be your hostesses for today.
Y: This past week, weve explored different celebrations around the world, all of them rites of passage.
M: For those of you that dont know, a rite of passage is a special event that marks a persons progress or growth from one stage of their life to another. These events are usually ones surrounding the time at which a human reaches puberty, marriage, death, or any other important milestones in their lives.
Y: Yes, thank you for clearing that up, Mary. To start off the second week of our program, we are in Japan, for the celebration of Seijin no hi, which is the coming-of-age day for all young adults. It is a celebration held to congratulate and encourage all who have reached adulthood at the age of 20.
M: Wait, why 20 years old?
Y: Because throughout Japan, 20 is the age where people are subjected to adult laws: For example, they. gain the right to vote, and to drink.
M: Interesting. As a tradition started long ago, Seijin no hi came from Shintoism, the native religion of Japan. Shintoism is an ancient Japanese Monotheist religion. For those of you that dont know, the Shinto religion is an ancient belief system consisting of a mixture of nature worship, animism, divination techniques and the worship of kami, which are also known as spirits.
Y: Shintoism is now one of two major religions in Japan, with the other being Buddhism. However, with that said, all young adults celebrate this rite of passage, whether they believe in Shintoism or not. We are lucky actually, because today is January 14, the second Monday in January.
M: Why does that make us lucky?
Y: Because today is Seijin no hi. So lets head over towards Tokyos government building where the ceremony is being held.
M: Actually, ceremonies like the one were heading towards happen all over Japan, not just in Tokyo. For those that are more religious, Shinto shrines host the ceremony. There, they host a momote shiki which is an archery ritual performed for good fortune.
Y: In fact, thats the Tokyo Meiji Shrine right there. Lets stop by there first before heading to Tokyos government building.
M: Woah, look over there. Theres so many men and women lined up with bows and arrows in their hands. I wonder what theyre doing
Y: Lets ask.
Y: (turn to 3 and 4 and bow) Konichiwa, nice to meet you. My name is Yoana and this is Mary.
J: (bow) Nice to meet you Mary-san and Yoana-san. My name is Yuki Hakura.
V: (bow) Hajime mashite. My name is Kiro Hikaru.
M: (BOW) Konichiwa Kiro-san and Yuki-san. We were wondering if you could tell us a little bit more about whats happening here.
V: Today is Seijin No Hi and we are gathered here today to watch as all these young adults are welcomed into adulthood. It is to ensure good fortune. Basically what happens is that, before the archers begin, a Shinto priest, hes over there, shoots a Kabura-ya, which is a special red-coloured arrow with a turnip-shaped head. (say in Japanese or Asian accent)
J: If you listen carefully, a whistling noise can be heard when the arrow is released from the bow. This noise is believed to drive away evils from all four directions.
Y: Oh, that sounds quite interesting. Sadly, I dont think well have time to stay and listen for that… but, before we go, can you please tell us a little bit about this ritual everyone is gathering together for?
J: Of course! The Momote Shiki ritual is carried out annually on Seijin No Hi, but the ritual predates the holiday by centuries. Momote means “hundred hands” this ritual is the origin of the arrow charm. In the past, more specifically until the Edo period, the Momote Shiki ritual was held in private, but now, it is open to the general public.
V: As you can see, they are starting to line up as the ritual is beginning soon. Would you like to stay and watch?
M: Can we? (talking to Y) Do you think well have enough time?
Y: I dont think so… Thank you so much for your offer though. But sadly, we must be on our way. Arigatou gozaimasu.
J and V: (bow) Dou itashimashite. Youre welcome. Hope to see you soon!
(WE ALL BOW)
M: Wow, that was pretty cool actually. What did you think?
Y: I agree. Now I cant wait to see how others celebrate this holiday. Lets go!
M: And here we are… look at this. These people look so dressed up and fancy, I feel so underdressed.
Y: You should. You see the girls over there? Theyre wearing what the Japanese call a kimono. More specifically, a furisode. Thats what girls would wear during the Seijin no hi coming of age ceremony.
M: Shes right. (speaking to the audience) What all the young women you see wearing are traditional kimonos for unmarried women with extended sleeves and elaborate designs. Many women wear the furisode to mark the start of their adult life as it is the most formal attire an unmarried woman can wear.
Y: As you can see, the men on the other hand, are not dressed as traditionally. Although some of them wear a hakama, which is a traditional dark kimono for guys, others wear modern suits. This is a change brought on by society as it is much more convenient, yet still formal enough for the ceremony that these young people are about to enter.
M: How about lets talk to a couple before they go inside?
Y: Sounds like a good idea.
M: (goes towards two girls and bows) Konichiwa, were two tourists & we were just wondering how Seijin No Hi changes you into someone new. Is it possible that you share with us some of how this works?
J: (bow) Konichiwa. Sure! Prior to the Seijin No Hi ceremony, members of the community who are not yet 20 years old are still considered “children”. Annually, on the second Monday in January, these “children” who are