Coming of Age Day is the day 20-year-olds visit shrines and get all dressed up. Most of the girls wear kimonos. The guys mostly just wore ties, but we saw a couple in traditional dress and they looked bad-ass. The picture above was taken the day before the actual holiday at the Meiji Shrine. Isn't she pretty? The kimonos are gorgeous.
These two pictures were taken on the actual holiday at the Asakusa shrine. We probably should have gone back to Meiji because that's where most people go for this holiday, but this one is closer to the house. Off to the right (out of the picture) was a performing monkey. Monkeys are very popular here. They creep me out, so of course Gen always wants to watch the "performances."
Aren't the girls pretty? Most looked really traditional, but we saw a couple in their kimonos with cornrows, fake tans, and purple eyeshadow. The kimonos worn for special occasions like this are more elaborate than what you normally see on the street. (I still haven't gotten used to seeing women out doing everyday errands in kimonos, but it's cool.) The colors are brighter, the patterns more elaborate, and the obis (sashes) are tied in a more intricate way. It was cold, so a lot of the girls had on fur collars or fur muffs. Fur is big here. Hats, coats, earmuffs, gloves...I guess PETA doesn't have much of a presence in Japan.
Coming of Age Day is the day 20-year-olds visit shrines and get all dressed up. Most of the girls wear kimonos. The guys mostly just wore ties, but we saw a couple in traditional dress and they looked bad-ass. The picture above was taken the day before the actual holiday at the Meiji Shrine. Isn't she pretty? The kimonos are gorgeous.
These two pictures were taken on the actual holiday at the Asakusa shrine. We probably should have gone back to Meiji because that's where most people go for this holiday, but this one is closer to the house. Off to the right (out of the picture) was a performing monkey. Monkeys are very popular here. They creep me out, so of course Gen always wants to watch the "performances."
Aren't the girls pretty? Most looked really traditional, but we saw a couple in their kimonos with cornrows, fake tans, and purple eyeshadow. The kimonos worn for special occasions like this are more elaborate than what you normally see on the street. (I still haven't gotten used to seeing women out doing everyday errands in kimonos, but it's cool.) The colors are brighter, the patterns more elaborate, and the obis (sashes) are tied in a more intricate way. It was cold, so a lot of the girls had on fur collars or fur muffs. Fur is big here. Hats, coats, earmuffs, gloves...I guess PETA doesn't have much of a presence in Japan.
Hi Julie!!! I love your blog. It looks like you are seeing some amazing things. So is the white girl getting a lot of attention and strange looks?
ReplyDelete--Margaux
We miss you!! This is so much fun!! Take care and can't wait to visit!!
ReplyDeleteLindsay
Depending on where I am, I get looks. The area where we live doesn't have many Americans. Most white girls are Russian. If you go to the more touristy areas like Ginza there are lots of whiteys. Roppongi has lots of expats. Most people who stare at me are either older or little kids. I terrified a little girl by waving at her in a store.
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