Seijin no hi- The Japanese Holiday

‘Seijin no hi’ is a Japanese Holiday that is usually around the second week of January. This holiday is almost like a combined birthday party for every person (Male or Female) that turned the age of 20 during that previous year. The purpose of this holiday is to congratulate and encourage all that made it to the age of adulthood. At the local city hall all the people that have recently turned 20 attend and listen to speeches by government official and are given small presents in recognition of their growing in age. After the gathering people usually go in large groups to go drink and party together. Women during this day usually wear a furisode, which is similar dress to a kimono with long sleeves that hang down, while males wear a hakama, which is a traditional dress. Not that many people attend these ceremonies any more but they are not punished for not attending or participating. This is very similar to the American culture because at the age of 21 for Americans, they are legally allowed to drink so in most cases people go out to drink and party. Also this is similar to the american culture or all cultures for say, because it is celebration of maturity, and the transition from childhood to adulthood. 

http://www.yamasa.org/acjs/network/english/newsletter/things_japanese_24.html