Nineteen young adults celebrate their coming of age in a traditional Japanese Seijin-shiki ceremony in Gardena.
Nineteen Youths Step Into Adulthood at Seijin-shiki.
Nineteen Japanese American young adults raised in Los Angeles marked a major milestone in their lives by taking part in a traditional Japanese Coming-of-Age ceremony (Seijin-shiki) on Jan. 11 in Gardena.
The ceremony was organized by Nadeshiko-kai and held at the Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute, drawing about 100 family members and community supporters who gathered to celebrate the new adults’ transition.
In the U.S., where municipalities do not host official Coming-of-Age ceremonies, it is rare for a community organization to continue the Japanese tradition. Since launching its first ceremony in 2013, Nadeshiko-kai has worked to pass on both the cultural significance of Seijin-shiki and the meaning of adulthood to the next generation of the Japanese American community. This year’s event, as in the past, was made possible through the efforts of Nadeshiko-kai members and numerous volunteers.
The 19 participants grew up within American society while maintaining connections to Japanese culture through family life and community activities. Most are U.S.-born second-generation Japanese Americans, and among the group were fourth-generation sisters who traveled from Northern California to attend.
The ceremony opened with a performance of the Japanese and U.S. national anthems sung by Los Angeles–based minyo singer Marisa Kosugi, whose folk-inspired style created a solemn and memorable atmosphere. A video message from Kosei Murota, consul general of Japan in Los Angeles, followed, along with congratulatory remarks from Yasuyuki Okazoe, president of the Orange County Japanese American Association, and George Howard, president of the Japanese Prefectural Association of Southern California.
Mika Kuroda, president of Nadeshiko-kai, presented each new adult with a commemorative certificate. In her address, she introduced the concepts of ichigo ichie — treasuring once-in-a-lifetime encounters — and gratitude, encouraging the young adults to value their relationships and remain thankful to the families and communities that have supported them.
Each participant then shared personal reflections, expressing appreciation for their parents and families and speaking about their hopes for the future. Their words resonated deeply with the audience, filling the hall with emotion.
The program included dynamic drumming by L.A. Taiko Ichiza and a subsequent performance by UMA-MIX, which blends contemporary music with Japanese sensibilities. Together, the performances highlighted a harmony between tradition and modern expression, energizing the audience.
One parent said the ceremony reaffirmed the importance of passing Japanese traditions on to future generations as Japanese Americans. Another remarked on the participants’ elegant attire and the organization’s dedication to preserving Japanese culture in California. One of the new adults, dressed proudly in gorgeous furisdode kimono, said the day had special meaning for their family. The venue remained filled with a warm and festive spirit throughout the event.
Nadeshiko-kai is a nonprofit organization founded in Los Angeles in 2011 by kimono master Takako Sasaki. Dedicated to promoting Japanese culture through kimono and traditional arts, the organization works primarily within Southern California’s Japanese American community to foster cultural exchange and mutual understanding.
Since hosting its first Coming-of-Age ceremony in 2013, Nadeshiko-kai has made the annual event a core part of its mission, conducting year-round fundraising to sustain the program. More information about the organization can be found at www.nadeshikokai.org.