The second Monday of January is “Seijin no hi (Coming-of-Age Day)” which honors young people who have reached the age of 20 as new members of society. This day is a national holiday in Japan. Ceremonies are held in every city, town and village. Many women attend them wearing beautiful long-sleeved kimonos. In Japan, from the age of 20 onward, people have the right to vote, and they are also allowed to drink and smoke. Some of the students learning Japanese at NILS attended the ceremony held here in Ogori City.