For most people, birthdays are joyous occasions to celebrate with loved ones and lots of presents.
When we're little, our parents go out of their way to surprise us with the most amazing kinds of gifts, like how these parents wrapped up an adorable kitten for their daughter.
When young adults come of age, however, their birthday presents start becoming more meaningful.
When he turned 20, Yuma Hasegawa's parents gifted him with a most peculiar present. On the outside, it was a beautifully wrapped envelope. The letter inside, however, carried a rather important message.
You see, children in Japan become legally considered as adults when they turn 20. As such, there are certain new "responsibilities" that are put in place for them.
And while the letter seems hilarious and maybe even a little too straightforward, it was written out of nothing but love and genuine concern.
Scroll further to read what these thoughtful parents wrote in their birthday letter, and let us know what you thought in the comments below!
On his 20th birthday, Yuma Hasegawa received a rather unusual gift from his parents. They presented him with a letter that congratulated him for “graduating” his childhood. It also outlined some new freedoms that he had, now that he was a legal adult.
However, the letter also listed some very particular responsibilities. Now that he was officially an adult, he had some roles to keep in mind...
Below is a translation of the letter:
Happy 20th Birthday!
Notice of Expiration of Child-Rearing Services
As of October 4, 2015, your father, Yoshikazu Hasegawa, and mother, Chiaki Hasegawa, have completed their duties of raising their child: you, Yuma Hasegawa.
Going forward, please become a proper and responsible member of society, like your father and mother. In addition, should you continue living in the Hasegawa family home, please make a monthly payment of 20,000 yen [$168] for rent, utilities, and groceries. Also, please be aware that should you ask for a loan from your parents, interest will be charged.
Things to keep in mind, now that you’re 20:
● You must make compulsory national pension payments [the equivalent to Japan’s Social Security program]. If you put this off it will cause problems, so make the payments.
● Should you commit a crime, your face and name can now be shown on television and in newspapers. You will also have a permanent criminal record.
● You can now buy alcohol and tobacco products. Do not drive while intoxicated.
● You can get married without your parents’ permission. However, they may not emotionally accept your wife as their daughter-in-law if you don’t discuss the relationship with them beforehand.
● Think responsibly about the future and set aside an adequate amount of savings from the money you earn.
Please enjoy your life as an adult.
And while this may seem a harsh way to wish your child happy birthday, Hasegawa believes that it's nothing but tough love. He has been paying rent to his parents since his birthday, and hopes to do more in the future to help his parents financially.
Please SHARE if you enjoyed reading this very interesting birthday letter!
