Yokohama coming-of-age ceremony amid COVID surge

Japanese people turning 20 held a coming-of-age ceremony in Yokohama on Monday. Many young women wore formal traditional garments called furisode, a kind of kimono with long sleeves.

Less traditional were the COVID-19 countermeasures on hand, such as temperature checks, alcohol disinfection points, and socially-distanced seating. Antigen tests were also provided to participants prior to the event. Yokohama city authorities requested all new adults to refrain from gathering over meals before or after the ceremony.

About 80% of the populations have received their second vaccine shots. Boosters have barely started, with fewer than 1% receiving them despite repeated promises by the government to speed up their rollout. Japan has set up stringent border controls, barring most incoming travel except for returning residents and citizens.