#Japan #Minato #Ageism #HAPPY PROJECT #HAPPY SENIOR

A New Beginning at the Third Coming of Age Ceremony

In an era where people live to be 100 years old, a profound transformation awaits for those entering their 60s. The HAPPY PROJECT, an initiative by the HAPPY PROJECT Association and managed by Happy Company, is poised to celebrate this new life milestone by introducing the Third Coming of Age Ceremony, aptly titled HAPPY SENIOR FESTA 2026. This unique event will take place on October 1, 2026, coinciding with the International Day of Older Persons.

Just as turning 20 signifies the transition into adulthood, turning 60 marks a pivotal moment where individuals are invited to convert their wealth of experiences and wisdom into future endeavors. Rather than viewing 60 as the end of life, the HAPPY PROJECT highlights it as the starting line for a new journey ahead.

Why Hold a Third Coming of Age Ceremony Now?

As we embark on this 100-year life era, society faces various challenges, particularly on how to lead fulfilling lives in the latter stages and foster connections with others. Ageism is a pressing issue worldwide, affecting how society perceives individuals based on their age, leading to misguided assumptions such as, “It's too late for new challenges because I'm 60.” This kind of thinking, rooted in stereotypes, not only restricts personal potential but also limits society's wider opportunities. In the 100-year life era, we need a society that promotes personal growth regardless of age. The Third Coming of Age Ceremony is designed to advocate for this transformative mindset.

Why October 1?

October 1 is recognized globally as International Day of Older Persons, established by the United Nations to reflect on the dignity, rights, and social participation of older individuals. As the world faces an aging population, pressing issues like ageism and social isolation demand proactive dialogue and solutions. The HAPPY PROJECT has historically used platforms like HAPPY WOMAN® to engage society in global themes, and this event seeks to do the same for the senior demographic. By recognizing this day through the ceremony, we aim to cultivate a new cultural understanding around aging that emphasizes fulfillment and growth.

A Symbolic Year: 2026

The year 2026 will be iconic for this ceremony, as it marks the 60th birthday for those born in 1966, referred to as the Hinokuma generation in Japanese culture. The concept of “kanreki,” or celebrating the return of the calendar after 60 years, is integral as it signifies not merely a look back on life but a robust leap into a vibrant new future.

What Does the Ceremony Entail?

The Third Coming of Age Ceremony goes beyond mere celebration; it is a project advocating for new life milestones in the 100-year life era. The event will articulate the promise of challenges that can only be pursued once life experiences have been acquired. Here’s a snapshot of the event's structured programs:

1. CEREMONY: Honoring life journeys and sharing future aspirations, with a focus on those turning 60 that year.
2. LIFE DESIGN FORUM: A forum exploring how to live fulfilling lives focusing on health, learning, work, purpose, and societal connections in the 100-year life context.
3. HAPPY CHALLENGE STAGE: This is the centerpiece of the event where individuals and organizations over 60 can share their dreams, achieving goals and initiatives to encourage society’s support.
- DREAM STAGE: Pursuing dreams in the second half of life.
- BUSINESS STAGE: Initiatives fostering work, entrepreneurship, and new ventures.
- SOCIAL STAGE: Challenges connecting communities with future generations.
4. HAPPY CONNECTION: A space fostering connections among participants, presenters, and supporters to broaden future possibilities.

Invitation to Participants

The ceremony invites not just those turning 60 in the host year, but also their families, friends, and anyone wishing to celebrate this critical life stage. The HAPPY CHALLENGE STAGE specifically opens its doors to individuals and groups over 60 seeking to embrace new dreams.

A New Perspective

With the HAPPY SENIOR project officially launching alongside the ceremony, we aim to redefine aging as a time brimming with potential. Addressing aspects of health, learning, work, dreams, challenges, and community participation, the objective is to create a society that truly appreciates the value of aging.

As we progress, the representative of the HAPPY PROJECT, Koichi Ogawa, passionately states, “The Third Coming of Age Ceremony is not merely a celebration of turning 60, but a culturally enriching experience that propels individuals forward into new aspirations, cultivating a society where aging is met with eagerness and excitement.”

Join us as we kick off this transformative journey on October 1, 2026, and redefine what it means to grow older in today’s world.

For more information, visit our official site: HAPPY SENIOR