This national holiday was established in 1948 as an occasion for praising labor, celebrating production and giving one other thanks. Prior to the establishment of this holiday, November 23 was celebrated as an imperial harvest festival called Niiname-sai (新嘗祭)....
This national holiday was established in 1948 as a day on which to honor one’s ancestors and remember the dead. Prior to 1948, the autumnal equinox was an imperial ancestor worship festival called Shūki kōrei-sai (秋季皇霊祭)....
This national holiday was established in 1966 as a day to respect the elderly and celebrate a long life. Originally held on September 15, it originated as a renaming of Old Folks’ Day (老人の日, Rōjin no hi). In 2003, it was changed to the third Monday of September in accordance with the Happy Monday...
This national holiday was established in 2014 (and first held in 2016), as a day on which to appreciate Japan’s mountains. It is intended to coincide with the vacation time usually given during the Bon Festival held in mid-August....
This national holiday was established in 1995 (first held in 1996) as a day of gratitude for the blessings of the oceans and hoping for the prosperity of Japan. Originally held on July 20, the holiday was changed to be celebrated on the third Monday of July in accordance with the Happy Monday System...
This national holiday was established in 1948, as a day on which to esteem the personalities of children and plan for their happiness. It is on this day that the Japanese equivalent of the Dragon Boat Festival (端午の節句, Tango no Sekku) is held. On this day, and for some time before it, families who...
This national holiday is celebrated as a day to commune with nature and be grateful for its blessings. Originally established in 1989 and held annually on April 29 (the late Shōwa Emperor’s birthday), in 2007 Greenery Day was moved to May 4, and April 29 was renamed “Shōwa Day” (see above.) Greenery Day falls...
This national holiday was established in 1948, to commemorate the day on which Japan’s postwar constitution took effect. Constitution Memorial Day falls during Golden Week....
This national holiday was established in 2007 as a day to reflect on the events of the Shōwa period. As the birthday of Hirohito, officially known as Emperor Shōwa, April 29 was originally celebrated as a holiday during his lifetime. Hirohito was born on this day in 1901. (See “The Emperor’s Birthday” above.) After...
This national holiday was established in 1948 as a day for the admiration of nature and the love of living things. Prior to 1948, the vernal equinox was an imperial ancestor worship festival called Shunki kōrei-sai (春季皇霊祭)....