| Name |
Date |
Remarks |
New Year's Day
(Ganjitsu) |
January 1 |
This national holiday was established
in 1948, as a day to celebrate the new year. New Year's Day
marks the beginning of Japan's most important holiday season,
the New Year season,
which generally refers to the first one, three or seven days of
the year. Although not prescribed by law, many workplaces are
closed from December 29 to January 3. Prior to 1948, New Year's
Day was a national holiday on which the imperial worship
ceremony known as Shihō-hai
took place. |
Coming of Age Day
(Seijin no hi) |
Second Monday of January |
This national holiday was established
in 1948 as a day to congratulate and encourage people who have
reached the age of majority (20) during the year. Cities and
towns throughout the nation hold ceremonies for these people.
Originally held on January 15, in 2000 it was changed to the
second Monday of January in accordance with the Happy Monday
System. |
National Foundation Day
(Kenkoku kinen no hi) |
February 11 |
This national holiday was established
in 1966 (and first held in 1967) as a day to reflect on the
establishment of the nation and to nourish a love for the
country. From 1872 to 1948, February 11 was known as
Kigen-setsu,
a holiday commemorating the day on which—according to the
Nihon-shoki—Emperor
Jimmu is said to have acceded
the throne in
660 BCE. |
Vernal equinox
(Shunbun no hi) |
Around
March 20 |
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. |
Shōwa Day
(Shōwa no hi) |
April 29 |
This national holiday was established
in 2007 as a day to reflect on the events of the
Shōwa period.
As the birthday of Emperor Shōwa, April 29 was originally
celebrated as a holiday during his lifetime. After the death of
the emperor in 1989, the date continued to be a holiday under
the new name "Greenery Day". In 2007, Greenery Day was moved to
May 4,
and
April 29
took the name "Shōwa Day" in honor of the late Emperor. Shōwa
Day marks the start of the
Golden Week
holiday period. |
Constitution Memorial Day
(Kenpō kinenbi) |
May 3 |
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. |
Greenery Day
(Midori no hi) |
May 4 |
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" Greenery Day falls during
Golden Week.
(NB: From 1986 to 2006, May 4 was a kokumin no kyūjitsu
holiday.) |
Children's Day
(Kodomo no hi) |
May 5 |
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,
(Tango no sekku)
is held. On this day, families who have a boy in their home may
fly
koi
streamers and decorate their homes with armor or samurai dolls.
Children's Day marks the end of
Golden Week. |
Marine Day
(Umi no hi) |
Third Monday of July |
This national holiday was established
in 1995 (and first held in 1996) as a day of gratitude for the
blessings of the oceans and for hoping for the prosperity of the
maritime nation that is Japan. Originally held on July 20, in
2003 it was changed to the third Monday of July in accordance
with the Happy Monday System. |
Respect-for-the-Aged Day
(Keirō no hi) |
Third Monday of September |
This national holiday was established
in 1966 as a day to respect the elderly and celebrate long life.
Originally held on September 15, it originated as a renaming of
Old Folks' Day,
(Rōjin no hi).
In 2003, it was changed to the third Monday of September in
accordance with the Happy Monday System. |
Autumnal equinox
(Shūbun no hi) |
Around
September 23 |
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. |
Health and Sports Day
(Taiiku no hi) |
Second Monday of October |
This national holiday was established
in 1966 as a day on which to enjoy sports and cultivate a
healthy mind and body. Originally held on October 10th to
commemorate the anniversary of the opening ceremony of the 1964
Tokyo Olympics,
in 2000 it was changed to the second Monday of October in
accordance with the Happy Monday System. |
Culture Day
(Bunka no hi) |
November 3 |
This national holiday was established
in 1948. It commemorates the November 3, 1946 announcement of
the Constitution.
It is recognized as a day to celebrate peace and freedom and
promote culture. (N.B.: Although prior to the establishment of
this holiday in 1948, November 3 was also a national holiday
called Meiji-setsu
commemorating the birthday of
Emperor Meiji,
the two holidays are ostensibly unrelated.) |
Labor Thanksgiving Day
(Kinrō kansha no hi) |
November 23 |
This national holiday was established
in 1948 as an occasion for praising labor, celebrating
production and giving one another thanks. Prior to the
establishment of this holiday, November 23rd was celebrated as
an imperial harvest festival called Niiname-sai. |
The Emperor's Birthday
(Tennō tanjōbi) |
December 23 |
The birthday of the reigning emperor
has been a national holiday since 1868. Originally known as
Tenchō-setsu,
it was renamed Tennō tanjōbi
in 1948. It is currently celebrated on December 23;
Emperor Akihito
was born on this day in 1933. (N.B.: Prior to the death of
Emperor Hirohito in 1989, this holiday was celebrated on April
29.) |
