Hirosaki City's Coming of Age Ceremony, the "Reiwa 6 Twenty Years Old Festival," was held at Hirosaki Civic Hall (Shimoshirogane-cho, Hirosaki City) on January 12th.

The Coming of Age Ceremony is organized by Hirosaki City and is aimed at residents of Hirosaki City, including foreign residents, born between April 2, 2004 and April 1, 2005. According to a statement from Hirosaki City, this year a total of 1,453 people participated, including 715 men and 738 women, a decrease of 242 people from last year.

At the ceremony, Hirosaki Mayor Hiroshi Sakurada gave a speech, Hirosaki City Council Chairman Toshikazu Ozaki gave a congratulatory speech, and Ms. Riri Saito took the "20-year-old oath" on behalf of the new adults. In addition, the Hirosaki City Wind Orchestra performed a medley of songs as a celebration. Four new adults participated as performers.

Among the new adults this year were Ayumu Nakata, who graduated from To-o Gijuku High School and joined the Yomiuri Giants as a development player, and Kyoka Sasaki, who graduated from Shibata Gakuen High School and was selected for the U17 Japan national team. Nakata said, "I want to become an adult who can give dreams to the children of Aomori," and Sasaki said, "I want to become a player who can be active in corporate teams and the like."

After the ceremony, many people were seen rejoicing as they reunited with old friends in front of Hirosaki Civic Hall, and for the first time at a Coming of Age Ceremony, a food truck was set up.