Seijinshiki, or Coming of Age festival, on 15 January, when
the young men wear the hakama, a long divided skirt, and the young
women the long-sleeved kimono, or furisode. The Seijinshiki is regarded
by many foreign visitors as a good time for kimono-viewing. Not that these
charming complexions are unassisted.
"What is your substance, whereof are you made,
That millions of strange shadows on you tend?
Since everyone hath, every one, one shade,
And you, but one, can every shadow lend ..."
