Kimono Time

January 10 was a national holiday in honor of everyone who will become 20 years old this year. That's about 1,240,000 new voters and new drinkers who will officially be considered adults by the end of 2011. All around Japan, events were held to mark the day and remind everyone that adulthood brings responsibilities along with privileges.

Speaking of privileges, there is one special privilege given to young women in this demographic: the "furisode" kimono! This is the one with the long, trailing sleeves that is an explosion of color tied up in back with an obi knotted to look like butterfly wings.

Women only get to wear this style from after high school until marriage. Like youth itself, the "furisode" kimono offers only a brief window of opportunity.