Seijin-shiki Part 2: Crowds in Kobe, or, Nice Guys
Don’t Wear Hakama

…Noriko and I were all dolled up, seijin-shiki-style, and met up at the Hotel Okura in Kobe where Noriko had been dressed, and take some nice photos, courtesy of ojiichan’s nice camera and photography skillz, plus extra help from host mom and obaachan.

Noriko & Mo
Met up with Noriko’s friend Sayuri and her family. Good [...]

Seijin-shiki Part 1: Gaijin in Hakama

January 11th was 成人式 (seijin-shiki, Coming of Age Day) in Japan – to honor and celebrate everyone who has become an adult (turned 20) in the previous year. This is a holiday and event of epic proportions in Japan – probably the biggest milestone in your life aside from your wedding day.
Girls dress up [...]