On the 1st, the "Revised Civil Code" will be enforced and the adult age will be reduced from 20 to 18.
While many local governments nationwide have left the target age for the seijin-shiki at 20 years old, Betsukai-cho, Hokkaido has decided to hold the seijin-shiki at the age of 18.
With the reduction of the adult age, Betsukai Town will also reduce the target age for the adult ceremony to 18 years old.
Regarding the reason for holding it at the age of 18, the town says, "To have a sense of responsibility and awareness as an adult."
However, if the number of people is reduced to 18 at once from next year, the number of target people will increase, so we will set a transition period and reduce it gradually.
▼ 19 and 20 years old in the 4th year of Reiwa, which will be the turning point,
▼ 18 and 19 years old in the 5th year of Reiwa in the next year,
▼ 18 years old from the 6th year of the next Reiwa.
The ceremony for 18-year-olds is scheduled to be held on the spring equinox day in March after the graduation ceremony, not in January, considering the examination time.
However, the town is also considering reviewing it at a more appropriate time.
A 16-year-old female student from Betsukai High School, who will reach the adult ceremony at the age of 18 two years later, said, "The image of the adult ceremony is strong at the age of 20, and I can't imagine it, but since it's from our grade, I also want to enjoy it. I was talking.
Another female student (16) said, "Since alcohol and cigarettes are still 20 years old, I think it's okay to keep the 20-year-old adult ceremony as a turning point for becoming an adult."
Kozo Sone, the mayor of Betsukai Town, said, "I want to make the seijin-shiki a fun and memorable one while being aware of my responsibility as an adult and thinking and acting on my own."
According to a survey conducted by the Ministry of Justice on local governments nationwide, more than 80% of local governments answered that the adult ceremony will be held at the age of 20, and only two cities and towns, Betsukai Town and Iga City, Mie Prefecture, will be held at the age of 18. I am.