On January 15, 2025, the Embassy of Japan in Washington, D.C. held the first Seijin-shiki (Coming of Age Ceremony) at the historic Japanese Ambassador’s Old Residence, providing a unique and inspiring experience for students studying Japanese in the D.C. area. Fifteen GW students were among more than 70 attendees from George Washington University, Georgetown University, American University and Howard University.
Seijin-shiki, traditionally held in Japan to honor young adults who have reached the age of 20, was adapted for students of Japanese language and culture in the United States. The event featured speeches from diplomats, educators, and peers. Dr. Brendan Morley, GW Japanese Program Coordinator and Assistant Professor of Japanese, shared reflections on the significance of Seijin no Hi (Coming of Age Day). “Turning 20 is an event. Becoming seijin is a process. In the ancient Chinese philosophical work Guanzi 管子, widely read in Japan and throughout East Asia, the term seijin 成人 refers to someone who has cultivated wisdom (智) and humaneness (仁). These are two of the five cardinal Confucian virtues, and such cultivation is an ongoing, open-ended endeavor.”
Paul Tam (CCAS ‘27), in his remarks as a student representative, said, “Adulthood is about using your passions to fuel your determination. Even if the path ahead seems blocked, there is always a way forward. Start clearing the way—one step at a time—and what once seemed like obstacles will become memories of growth.”
Arik Karim (ESIA ‘28), a first-year Japanese student, described the experience excitedly, "The Seijin-shiki was an incredible opportunity to meet Embassy of Japan diplomats, as well as students and professors from many DC schools! As an いちねんせい, I learned so much about the cultural significance of Seijin no Hi within the context of each speaker's life story. I'm truly inspired by the passion of my fellow Japanese language- and culture-learning peers."
For many students, the ceremony was an opportunity to reflect on their personal journeys in studying Japanese. Nicholas Slobodchikoff (CCAS ‘28) said, "I felt so inspired to work even harder on improving my Japanese ability after the event. I would like to thank all of my Japanese professors to help support me throughout my journey learning Japanese and I would like to thank the Japanese Embassy for inviting me."
The ceremony was also a deeply meaningful experience that bridged cultures and celebrated the shared values of adulthood. Kayla Perlman (ESIA ‘27) expressed, "I felt very honored for the opportunity to bridge cultures and traditions through celebrating this milestone alongside fellow students. The ceremony’s emphasis on responsibility and entrance to the next stage of life resonated deeply, as it reminded me of the shared values shaping adulthood in Japanese and American frameworks."
The event also gave students the opportunity to wear traditional Japanese clothing, such as furisode (a type of kimono). Dusty Rogers (CCAS ‘26), a student who wore furisode, shared, "We were given the option to choose between traditional, formal Japanese clothing or formal American options, and I’m so glad I was able to wear furisode! It was the most beautiful I have ever felt. Miyajima-san from Tokiya Japan did a lovely job putting together the different patterns and colors to create beautiful furisode for us." Alexa Winter (CCAS ‘26) echoed the sentiment, "To anyone who may attend in the future, I highly recommend wearing kimono!! To attend such a lovely event in furisode was magical for me. Thank you to everyone who attended, as well as everyone who helped make this experience possible!!"
For Lucas Kozuch (CCAS ‘26), the experience of immersing in Japanese culture was particularly memorable. "I am very fortunate to have been able to attend the Seijin-shiki at the Japanese embassy. Being immersed in Japanese culture firsthand at such a joyous event while wearing traditional Japanese clothing was certainly a once in a lifetime experience. Walking around and interacting with fellow Japanese language students made the experience all the more impactful and I am glad that we all can share this memory. I am very grateful for those who made this unforgettable event possible. Even more so, I would like to express my gratitude to my professors who were, despite their busy schedules, kind enough to put in a tremendous effort so that we could wear traditional Japanese clothing."
The Seijin-shiki ceremony at the Embassy of Japan provided an enriching and memorable opportunity for U.S. students studying Japanese to immerse themselves in the cultural traditions of Japan. The celebration of adulthood, the opportunity to wear traditional attire, and the chance to connect with fellow students, professors, and embassy officials made the event a truly unforgettable experience.
