Japanese national holidays and annual traditional events

During holidays in Japan, there are many festivals and specific events held on these days and government offices, banks, schools and similar institutions are closed. When a holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday becomes a holiday.

♦ – national holiday
♦ – annual traditional event

♦ January 1 – Shogatsu
Marks the beginning of the new year. Lots of people visit shrines and temples to pray for wishes.

♦ Second Monday in January – Coming-of-Age Day (Seijin No Hi)
Celebrated by people who turn 20 years old and encourages them to recognize their responsibility as adults.

♦ February 11 – National Foundation Day (Kenkoku Kinen No Hi)
It is said that on this day in the year 660 BC, the first emperor, Jimmu, has been enthroned. Therefore, it is now marked as Japan’s Foundation Day.

♦ March 3 – Girl’s festival (Hinamatsuri)
The event, also called Momo No Sekku (Peach Blossom Festival) is a festival to wish girls and daughters a happy and successful life.

♦ March 21 – Vernal Equinox Day (Shumbun No Hi)
The first day of spring, meant for appreciation of nature and all living beings.

♦ April 29 – Birthday of Emperor Showa (Showa No Hi)
Celebrates events during the life of the late Emperor Showa. After his death, this day was celebrated as Greenery Day in recognition of his interest for environmental problems, especially the preservation of forests. IN 2007, Greenery Day was moved to the 4th of May, and April 29 remains as celebration of birthday of Emperor Showa. This day also marks the beginning of the Golden Week.

♦ Golden Week
Together with two weekends, most Japanese have days off this week with a lot of people traveling around the country and abroad. Plane tickets can be even 2 times more expensive during this time.

♦ May 3 – Constitution Memorial Day (Kempo Kinembi)
A day to commemorate the establishment of the Constitution of Japan and to express hope for the future development of the country. One of the biggest changes from the old constitution is the article that prohibits involvement in war expect in self-defense.

♦ May 4 – Greenery Day (Midori No Hi)
A day to commune with nature and to express thanks for its blessings and its abundance.

♦ May 5 – Children’s Day (Kodomo No Hi)
A day for boys. This is a holiday to wish boys and sons a healthy and successful life. Parents who have a son usually hang a carp decoration on high poles which symbolizes strenth and power. This day also marks the end of the Golden Week.

♦ July 7 – Tanabata
A festival that celebrates annual star event when the stars Vega and Altair come closer to one another. The festival has roots in ancient Chinese legend about Princess Orihime and shepherd Hikoboshi who were each banished to opposide sides of the Milky Way but the king’s affection for his daughter allowed them to meet once a year.

♦ Third Monday in July – Marine Day (Umi No Hi)
The day to express thanks for the oceans and their bleggins and to hope for prosperity of Japan as a country that’s surrounded by sea.

♦ Mid-August – Obon
Most Japanese have days off work during this time. This traditional event celebrates the souls of deceased ancestors. It is seen as a vital part of family life and many relatives visit each other regardless of how far apart they live. On the 13th of August, people light up lanterns in their homes which is meant to guide the souls of ancestors to their home where they are welcomed with various foods and fruits placed on the Buddhist altar.

♦ Third Monday in September – Respect-for-the-Aged Day (Keiro No Hi)
A holiday to express respect for the elderly and celebrate long life.

♦ September 23 – Autumnal Equinox Day (Shubun No Hi)
A day when the length of night and day becomes equal. People tend to clean tombstones, place new flowers and pay homage to their ancestors.

♦ Second Monday in October – Sports Day (Taiku No Hi)
A day to promote a healthy mind and body. Towns and villages around the country organize various sports-related events and festivals. The holiday was established to commemorate the Olympic Games in Tokyo in 1964.

♦ November 3 – Culture Day (Bunka No Hi)
A day to express love for liberty and peace and to promote cultural development. On this day, the government also announces winners of “Cultural Medal”, given by the Emperor.

♦ November 24 – Labor Thanksgiving Day (Kinro Kaisha No Hi)
A day to respect labor and express gratitude for worker’s efforts.

♦ December 23 – Emperor’s Birthday (Tenno Tanjobi)
A day to celebrate birthday of the present emperor of Japan, Akihito.