Twenty-four students from Yasuda Women's University studying English at the English Language Institute were among the 34 Japanese students at Pitt who celebrated turning twenty--the age of becoming an adult in Japan. A national holiday, Seijin Shiki is traditionally celebrated on the second Monday in January and, as ELI Associate Director Rob Mucklo notes, "It's got the pomp and circumstance of a prom, but the tradition and coming-of age elements of a debutante ball or a sweet 16 party or a Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah." It is one of the rare times that Japanese students wear traditional dress.
The ELI and the Asian Studies Center co-hosted the event held at the University Club. The students were loaned kimonos and local members of the Japanese American community helped them dress. Local speakers included Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald and the ELI's Director, Dr. Alan Juffs.
The event was covered by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and the Tribune Review and both articles include charming video!