Coming of Age Ceremony ("Seijin-shiki")

In Japan on the second monday of January, young people age 20 (or turning 20) celebrate the Coming of Age day. They usually held a party with friends or family, attend a ceremony held by the local government or some private organization, where the girls will be wearing a "furisode" and the boys wearing a "hakama". The ceremony is to celebrate and recognize them as "new adult", when they are legally allowed to vote, drink and marry without parental permission, but at the same time, are also subject to all laws and social responsibilities.

The custom has been carried on for hundreds of years. I wonder if to this day such ceremony has an impact on how young adults think and behave, perhaps to some. In recent years there have been incidents of poor behaviors of young adults after during or/and after the ceremony. Meanwhile older generation talk about how young people being so used to the comfort of living in current peace and stability, that some tend to lack maturity, discipline and independence.

In the evening, I watched a group of girls in "furisode" walking out from a game center, perhaps it was after they attended a ceremony or had their dinner party. I was almost lost in words when my daughter asked me, what are those girls doing in a game center wearing such a pretty kimono. Well, playing games is still better than getting drunk and becoming violent, i thought to myself. So, i said to my girl, "they are just having fun".

Sometimes, it is not the ceremony that matters, i guess, since it is more the "mindset" of each person, on how one defines an adult. Having said that, i need to remind myself if i am truly ready for my coming of age ceremony .... well, i never had one.

For more about coming of age day:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seijin_shiki

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r1462gA11ns

Setting New Goals For 2010

After enjoying a long holiday with family, we are now close to going back to regular routines. It is easier for adult to switch their pattern from holiday to work, however for kids it is less easier. Especially now, we are at the beginning of a new decade, a new year, it is only fair for us to start looking at new goals for ourselves and our children. Have you set your goals/objectives for the coming year?

I just read an article about a SMART way to set our goals (based on one of an English coaching theory), whereby your goals/objectives need to be: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time-phased. Most of you probably have heard or been aware of how to set goals effectively. These are not new theory, but it is a good reminder, especially when we set goals for others (say, for our kids) to follow.

Specific objectives with clear description of what to do. Measurable objectives showing how well, how much more, in calculation of time/number of times, not just in imaginary words. Achievable objectives with "possible" but challenging items. Impossible or difficult to reach goals can create stress for ourselves and others. For a more realistic goals, we need to specify process and differentiate "dream" from "reality". Time phased means breaking down the goals into certain period, month, quarterly, yearly depending on the circumstances.

With these, i hope to set my new goals in 2010 in a SMART way and get ready for challenges in the new decade :)

Photos (left) - shimekazari, a traditional Japanese new year decoration for doors/entrance (ref. copied from Sanchoku Web), a symbol of purity to begin a new year and an expression of gratitude to God for the coming year

Photos (right) - kadomatsu, a traditional Japanese new year decoration for big buildings, hotels and other large property (ref. copied from Rakuten), a symbol of longevity, prosperity and steadfastness and a welcome gesture to God of harvest. Pine and bamboo are used to express these meanings.