I went to my coming-of-age ceremony (for 20-year-olds) last Monday. I enjoyed it, but I didn't feel as if I'd become an adult. The ceremony seemed more like a serious alumni meeting.
What is it "to be an adult"? Many people tend to answer that it is to become independent from their parents. According to a Japanese dictionary, being an adult means to have prudence and discretion and willingness to take responsibility in society. There is no mention of the word "independent".
So, I don't think that many adults, including me, have become adults yet. I saw some hecklers during the greetings at the ceremony. If that continues, these ceremonies will be seen as nonsensical. In fact, I'm realizing that it is very difficult to be "an adult," but I still want to try to be that person.
The opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are the writer's own and do not necessarily reflect the policies of The Japan Times.
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.