Conversation with Mayor

In Japan, the second Monday in January is designated as “Coming of Age Day,” and ceremonies to celebrate new adults are held throughout the country.

In Minato City, the FY2024 “Hatachi no Tsudoi” will be held on Monday, 1/13. Minato City’s “Hatachi no Tsudoi” is a ceremony produced by residents who are turning 20 that year, who form the Executive Committee and decide on the theme.

Those who are turning 20 this fiscal year are part of the generation who spent three years from the latter half of their last year of junior high through senior high school under various restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. What kind of future will they forge in Minato City? Three members of the “Hatachi no Tsudoi” Executive Committee participated in this conversation with Mayor SEIKE, and shared their thoughts as 20-year-old Minato City residents.

Here’s a glimpse of the interview.

The “Hatachi no Tsudoi” Executive Committee decides on a theme every year. Please talk to us about the sentiments behind this year’s theme, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.”

KONAGAYA, Chairperson of the Minato City’s “Hatachi no Tsudoi” Executive Committee
Our generation has been going through the COVID-19 pandemic since the third term of our last year of junior high school through senior high school. We had to wear masks, follow movement restrictions, and there were many problems that we could not do anything about on our own, such as having our school festivals and school trips cancelled. Today, there are wars and various issues happening around the world that are difficult to resolve alone. The theme for this event is "Where there's a will, there's a way," meaning that we can find a way as long as we have the will to do so. This is our message for 20-year-olds.

Mayor SEIKE, what is your message to those turning 20 this year?

Mayor SEIKE
Congratulations to everyone who is turning 20 this year. The theme of this year’s “Hatachi no Tsudoi” is “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” This is the message that both the Executive Committee, who are from the same generation, as well as Minato City, would like to convey to everyone. As these words say, I hope that each of you will pave your way to the future with hope. I sincerely hope that you will continue to take on new challenges and help shape the future of Minato City.

* For detailed interview, please visit the Minato City website.
https://www.city.minato.tokyo.jp/kouhou/kuse/koho/minato2025/202501/20250101top/02.html