Local officials are taking steps to fight the bad manners displayed by young people at Japan's traditional January "coming of age" ceremonies for 20-year-olds. Last year the mayor of Shizuoka, Zenkichi Kojima, shouted "Listen to me!" at an audience that seemed more occupied with chatting on their mobile phones than listening to his speech on what is meant to be a solemn occasion.

The Shiki municipal government in Saitama Prefecture directly targeted the phones for last week's ceremony. It asked members of the audience to submit their mobile numbers before entering the ceremony. A draw was then held during the ceremony and calls made to the selected numbers. The government hoped this would prevent people from making calls themselves - at least during the prize draw.