Across the nation, 1.24 million young people celebrated becoming an adult Monday, Coming of Age Day, in an annual rite of passage for 20-year-olds that — were it not for the novel coronavirus pandemic — would have been celebrated in style with childhood reunions and all-night after-parties.
While many coming-of-age ceremonies were canceled or moved online, thousands gathered in Yokohama on the day to celebrate the once-in-a-lifetime occasion despite inevitable criticism and potential exposure to the virus.
Owing to restrictions on large events, the ceremony was held at two venues — Yokohama Arena and Pacifico Yokohama — and divided into eight staggered ceremonies, four at each location.