JIA Foundation, in collaboration with the Consulate General of Japan in Seattle, is proud to announce the fifth annual SEIJIN-shiki USA, a Japanese-style Coming of Age Celebration. This highly anticipated event is scheduled to take place on January 13, 2024, at Bellevue College Carlson Theatre.

SEIJIN-shiki, the celebrated Japanese coming-of-age tradition, is a cherished annual event throughout Japan. It provides a platform for the community’s emerging young adults, known as new SEIJIN, to be officially acknowledged. Since 2020, JIA Foundation has been dedicated to bringing this age-old tradition to the United States, enriching it with JIA’s original and unique touch.

The primary aim of this event is to bring together Japanese and Japanese-American youth who have grown up in the United States, as well as anyone with an affinity for Japan. Our goal is to provide support and encouragement to these new SEIJIN as they embark on their journey into adulthood and confidently navigate American society.

Participants from previous years have lauded the event for offering a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Japanese traditions, allowing them to rediscover their own cultural identities. With inclusivity at its core, the event is conducted entirely in English, with the vision of establishing a new American tradition where the coming-of-age celebration becomes a common practice.

SEIJIN-shiki USA is an exceptional occasion for all individuals, regardless of their nationality, to share and experience the beauty of Japanese culture. It’s a chance to forge lasting friendships among the members of the “Class of SEIJIN 2024.”

5th annual SEIJIN-shiki USA Celebration details

Slogan: “Celebrating Wisdom, Courage and Growth”

Date: Saturday, January 13,2024 2:30pm (Pacific Time)
Venue: Bellevue College Carlson Theatre
            (3000 Landerholm Cir. SE, Bellevue, WA 98007)

Free to attend/ Pre-registration required /Space is limited to first 150 registrants

★Qualification for New SEIJIN 2024 ★
Anyone whose birthday falls between January 2002 and March 2004.
Online registration http://seijin2024.eventbrite.com/

 Highlights of 5th annual SEIJIN-shiki USA:

★Learning and experiencing Japanese culture

★Inspiring speeches that celebrate this important milestone

★A captivating Kimono presentation

★Exciting entertainment and live performances

★Receiving your SEIJIN certificate

★A memorable SEIJIN 2024 group photo opportunity

★The chance to be part of and create a vibrant community of SEIJIN 2024!

Join us for these enriching experiences and a sense of camaraderie as we celebrate this special occasion!

Planning is underway and updates will be made on our website https://seijinusa.org/2024-celebration/ and social media @SeijinUSA

For more information, please contact contact@seijinusa.org

SEIJIN-shiki USA is run by volunteers and funded by individual and business donations and grants. Our $8000 fundraising goal to cover the cost to run the 5th annual SEIJIN-shiki USA  is underway. Please support us in celebrating SEIJIN 2024’s  journey into adulthood together!

Online donation: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/jia-foundation/seijin-shiki-usa-fund-2024

Donation  is tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law.

Previous Media Coverage: 

North American Post
https://napost.com/2023/seijinshiki_01272023/

Renton Reporter https://www.rentonreporter.com/news/omedetou-gozaimasu-local-japanese-americans-celebrate-coming-of-age-day/

About JIA Foundation
The JIA Foundation was founded in 2014 to meet the needs of the current wave of Japanese immigrants and expats who greatly benefit from Japanese language-specific services. “JIA” is an acronym that stands for Japanese in America. We define “JIA” as those of any race and nationality who appreciate Japanese culture and values. Community, education, and identity are the key components of JIA programs. JIA Foundation is a 501(c)(3) NPO and operated solely by volunteers.