This celebration throws everything you thought you knew about Japanese culture out the window.
coming of age
Every year all eyes are on the flashiest fashions at Kitakyushu, but there’s another side to the story.
Kimonos and gangsta flair to celebrate freedom and individuality before conforming to Japanese society.
For the first time, our dedicated reporter on Kitakyushu’s most pompadour-packed procession gets to dress just like one of the revelers in question.
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If you haven’t heard yet, last week 20-year-olds all over Japan dressed up and gathered together on January 12 for their government official Coming-of-Age ceremonies. The event takes place every year for any young adult who turned 20 in the previous year. It’s an event that signifies their entry into adulthood and ability to legally drink alcohol.
However, there are some 20-year-olds who don’t get to celebrate the same way as their peers: those who joined the Japan Self-Defense Forces after high school and are off on duty somewhere. The forgotten few were not so forgotten this year, as some pictures of them were posted on Twitter. And you thought the guys in Okinawa were badass? Check out these soldiers.
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Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
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Weekly
- Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
- Ichiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
Starbucks Japan releases two new “chunky” drinks… and matching gel designs for our nails- 161-year-old Kyoto confectionary maker releases new edible Pokémon lineup
7-Eleven Japan now has ramen machines…but only at 41 stores
Mt. Fuji hot spring inn gets even more beautiful after dark with Firefly Festival- Hundreds of rose bushes in bloom at Tokyo’s off-the-beaten-path, next-to-the-tracks flower street
7-Eleven Japan is releasing Greedy chocolate chip and whipped cream sandwiches- Studio Ghibli’s president is leaving the company. Will it change how they make anime?
Don’t miss the Tokyo Tower City Light Fantasia ~Summer Landscape 2026~ event during your travels
Monthly
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
The average age of Japan’s hikikomori shut-ins is getting older, survey shows
Japan enters Golden Week vacation period, survey shows one in three plan to ride it out at home
New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet- Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
Brand-new Pokémon manhole covers coming to help the recovery of a disaster-stricken part of Japan- Ichiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
Japan’s awesomely beautiful Alpen Route snow corridor is now open
Japan’s new Pokémon jackets give you the look and powers of the Kanto starter trio
Move aside, convenience store egg sando – there’s a better version of the iconic sandwich in Japan
Yearly
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa- Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
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The top 12 incomprehensible school rules, as chosen by high school students
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Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
Shochu maker on remote Japanese island plays music as its spirits age, flavor varies by genre
Starbucks Japan adds a new Frappuccino and Milk to the menu, but are they worth the calories?
Is the two-hour wait for Tokyo’s Yokota Gaijin Burger worth it?【Taste test】
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