QBS life : Coming of the Age Party

In Japan, one is considered adult when he/she reaches 20 years old. The coming of the age day (held second Monday of January) is a public holiday in Japan where major ceremonies are held here and there to celebrate "new" adults.

In Fukuoka, apart from welcome party, Malaysian also celebrate this coming of age day since the students will reach 20 in their first year in Japan. The organizer of this celebration is a local community of Uchihama, Fukuoka. Uchihama community has a close relationship with Malaysians ever since they were appointed as a homestay area for Malaysian athletes participating in Universiade Fukuoka 1995.

Since I was in Fukuoka from 1996-2000 and again from 2006-2008, I have attended the party 6 times without fail. Before the party starts, the newcomers will be dressed in kimonos, and these kimonos are really expensive. Not all Japanese can afford kimonos like we think, and for this special day many people rent kimonos instead of buying it. Another reason is that they also do not wear it as frequent as we Malaysians wear baju kurung. It is also not easy to wear, you might need at least one person to help you wear the multi-layer clothes and tighten the "obi" or belt. In the 2008 celebration, my mother and younger sister (mid and right) who were visiting me had the opportunity of wearing the kimonos. Oh yes, I did not wear it because I am not 20 (of course..I have worned it in 1996) and also I have to look after the children.

The party started with a speech from the head (ketua kampung) of Uchihama and then self-introduction by the students who wear the kimonos. Later we eat and mingle around, play bingo and eat some more..It is easier to mingle with the Uchihama people because they already understand our religion and culture. They also prepared a room specially for us to pray Zohor.

Oh yes, Uchihama residents also invite us to their school sports every autumn. Seronok dapat main lari dalam guni again! Some even take the hassle to attend Malaysian students wedding in Malaysia!

I really hope that the friendly relations, not only between Uchihama and Malaysia but Fukuoka-Malaysia and much more Japan-Malaysia is further fostered in years to come. Special thanks to my close friend, Kaneko-san who is really pushing very hard despite his busy job to make it happen in Fukuoka.