New adults in Japan's southwestern prefecture of Okinawa gathered at a historic castle to take photos commemorating their coming of age, even as rising COVID-19 cases caused ceremonies to be canceled.

People at or near 20 years old have traditionally attended congratulatory ceremonies for Coming-of-Age Day in January.

But 10 municipalities in Okinawa canceled or postponed such events amid a surge in coronavirus cases in the prefecture.

Groups of new adults from those municipalities visited Shuri Castle in Naha City on Sunday, wearing kimono or business suits.

One of the visitors from Urasoe City said she was happy to be reunited with her friends, though she was disappointed that the ceremony was postponed.

A university student from Naha said new adults have no choice but to mark their coming of age in unusual circumstances. He said they cannot attend school as frequently as they have hoped due to the pandemic, but he wants to be a responsible member of society.

Shuri Castle was originally built about 500 years ago. It was destroyed during World War Two. The main hall and other buildings were reconstructed decades later. In 2000, ruins of the original castle were designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.

A fire destroyed six buildings at the castle, including the main hall, in 2019.