More than 70 of the city’s Japanese students will attend the Coming of Age ceremony at Knox Church’s Stuart Hall on Saturday.
Event co-ordinator Ryohei Matsuoka said the history of the annual ceremony dated back to AD710 and celebrated the day 20-year-olds became recognised as adults in Japanese society.
"So, for Japanese, the Coming of Age ceremony is a special day where they return to their hometown, dress up in traditional kimono/hakama, meet with their classmates and enjoy the beginning of adulthood with a party.
"It is one of the biggest events in the lives of Japanese people."
Mr Matsuoka said the number of Japanese students studying in Dunedin was increasing and had prompted a group of University of Otago students to organise the ceremony here.
"Up until now, international students haven’t been able to attend Coming of Age ceremonies because they will stay here until their study abroad is finished.
"This is why we decided to organise a ceremony in Dunedin.
"I’m sure this event will make a precious memory for not only Japanese international students, but also everyone who participates in this event."
While the event is the Japanese equivalent of a Kiwi 21st birthday party, there will be no alcohol, mischief or mayhem.
Members of the public were invited to the ceremony, to be attended by Dunedin Mayor Jules Radich, and video messages would be played from Japanese ambassador Koichi Ito, of Wellington, and a representative from Dunedin’s sister city Otaru.
