For many 20-year-old women and those close to turning 20, Monday was a busy day that involved waking up early to apply makeup, arrange their hair and don a furisode, a style of kimono distinguished by its long sleeves.

But above all, once preparations are complete, Coming of Age Day — which celebrates the onset of adulthood — is a chance to reunite with old classmates, dress up and have a good time.

"It's a special day. We spent nearly a year preparing for it," said Mirei Hoshino, a first-year business student at Keio University.