Coming of Age

Coming of age is a significant milestone in many cultures, marking the transition from youth to adulthood. In Japan, this is celebrated on Seijin no Hi (Coming of Age Day), held annually on the second Monday of January. It’s a time for 20-year-olds to don their finest traditional attire—typically colourful furisode kimonos for women and sharp hakama or suits for men—and officially join the ranks of adulthood with ceremonies and gatherings. As for my own day, I wandered over to my usual spot: Meiji Jingu. Surprisingly, it was almost devoid of the vibrant kimonos you’d expect on such an occasion. Does anyone know why ?

I only snapped a couple of shots with the Nokton 75mm, and it delivered. At a wide aperture, it creates this lovely soft glow that adds a bit of magic to the frame. If you crop close to 100%, you’ll notice how the glow smooths out the finer details while keeping the subject beautifully distinct. It’s not razor-sharp clinical—more like a painterly touch that gives an almost nostalgic feel to the image.

That young woman did look a bit lost, didn’t she? We really should have asked her where all the kimonos were hiding. It’s so unusual to see Meiji Jingu so empty of them, especially on a day like this. Normally, the paths are dotted with vibrant colours and intricate patterns, kimonos flowing as people pose for photos or make their way to the shrine. This time, though, it was all quiet, as if the tradition had slipped away to a hidden corner we’d missed.