Tom: I often see young women wearing kimono in March. What’s up with that? Miho: Oh, you mean women in kimono and a traditional Japanese formal skirt? This outfit is worn on graduation day. Tom: Is that so? How come? Miho: I heard it’s a throwback from the Meiji era when high society women wore them to women-only schools. Tom: Certainly, they look cool. But why in March? Miho: Didn’t you know that in Japan the new term starts in April and graduation is in March? Tom: I didn’t know that. What is the graduation ceremony like in Japan? Miho: It’s kind of soppy. Some girls cry over parting with their teachers and friends. Tom: What? Really? In my country students are in high spirits as it marks a transition into the next phase in their lives. Miho: Hmm. It’s quite different isn’t it? Tom: In English “sotsugyou” is graduation, and it means ascending to another level. Miho: I see. The kanji “sotsu” means “end” and “gyou” means “behavior.” It might be due to this conceptual difference. Tom: Hmm. Miho: These days not only idols say “sotsugyou shi masu” when getting out of their group, but also everyone else. In this regard, I think they use it as it is positive.