New adults attending the event celebrate with Japanese Ambassador to China Kenji Kanasugi. Photo: Courtesy of the Japanese Embassy in China

On March 17, the 14th China-Japan Friendship Coming-of-Age Ceremony was held in Beijing.

The event, organized by the Beijing Japanese Student Association, attracted approximately 140 new adults from Japan and China.

The ceremony showcased various elements of Chinese culture, including lion dance performances and calligraphy demonstrations. 

Japanese Ambassador to China Kenji Kanasugi, in his congratulatory remarks, emphasized that young people from Japan and China spending time together in this manner is a precious and rare opportunity.

He congratulated the young adults from both countries on joining the ranks of adulthood and expressed anticipation for their contributions to furthering the development of Japan-China relations.

Every year, on the second Monday of January, young people who have just turned 20 celebrate their coming-of-age in Japan. Family and friends present their blessings and gifts to the young people, encouraging them to take up their responsibilities and duties in society moving forward. Since 2011, the Japanese Student Association has been organizing the ceremony in China.

Global Times