When are the Japanese National Holidays?
As any country in the world, Japan is no different when it comes to public holidays. Here is a list of all holidays and events in Japan (national holidays have an asterix next to their title). It would be a good idea for you to have a quick read of these events and dates since your teacher and guest speaker may likely refer to one or more of more of these events during your course.
1st January New Year's Day* 元日 (Ganjitsu or Shogatsu)
Established in 1948 to celebrate the start of the new year. In fact, the start of the new year, (shogatsu) is regarded as being the most important holiday season, which generally refers to the first one, three or seven days of the year. Although not an official holiday, many workplaces are closed from December 29th to the 3rd of January. Before this tradition, there was a national holiday on which the imperial worship ceremony known as Shihō-hai (四方拝) took place.8th January Coming of Age* 成人の日 (Seijin no hi)
This national holiday was established, like the New Year celebrations, in 1948, as a day to congratulate people who have reached turned 20 during the year. Japanese Cities and towns throughout hold ceremonies for these people. Incidentally this age coincides with the legal age in Japan to vote and smoke.
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3rd February Beginning of Spring 節分 (Setsubun) or 立春 (Lichun)
Not so much as a public holiday but rather a religious event that many use as a 'day-off'. The name literally means "seasonal division" and the purpose of the event is to mark the beginning of Spring, (and is part of the Spring Festival 春祭 (haru matsuri). Around the 12th century the beginning of spring was used to 'drive away evil spirits' by burning dried sardine heards, wood, seaweed and banging drums. This no longer really takes place in Japan anymore but you can see people hanging up fish heads and other ornaments to protect their homes from evil.11th February National Foundation Day* 建国記念の日 (Kenkoku kinen no hi)
This national holiday was established in 1966 and first held the following year as a day to commemorate the creation of Japan and to promote a love for the country. From 1871 to 1948, this event was known as Kigen-setsu (紀元節), a holiday celebrating the day on which, according to Japanese history, the legendary first emperor Shoki—Emperor Jimmu is said to have founded the nation and the imperial line in 660 BC. He is also credited with establishing Yamato. For more on Japanese history please see week three in your course schedule. 14th February Valentine's Day ()
In Japan, women give chocolates to men on Valentine's Day whilst men give women chocolate, (or other gifts) to women on March 14th, (called White Day - see further down the page). Like everything in Japan, enormous detail is placed on events and social interactions, therefore, to give the Japanese Valentine's Day justice we wrote a separate article.3rd March Doll's Festival 雛祭り (Hina matsuri)
Hina Matsuri is a celebration for girls, literally translated in means "Girls' Day". Parents, families and relatives pray for the happiness and prosperity of their girls and to help ensure that they grow up healthy and beautiful. The celebration traditionally takes place both inside the home and at the seashore. Both locations are meant to ward off evil spirits from girls.14th March White Day ホワイトデー (Howaito dē)
The opposite version of the Japanese Valentine's Day where men give chocolates to women. -
20th MarchSpring Eqinox Day* 春分の日 (Shunbun no hi)
Like the Japanese New Year, and Coming of Age events, this national holiday was also established in 1948 as a day for the admiration of nature and the love of living things. Before the creation of Shunbun no hi, Spring equinox was an imperial ancestor worship festival called Shunki kōrei-sai (春季皇霊祭).29th April Showa Day* 昭和の日 (Showa no hi)
This national holiday honours the birthday of Emperor Shōwa (Hirohito), the reigning Emperor before, during, and after World War II (from 1926 to 1989), however, the real purpose of this holiday is to mark the Japanese recovery following the end of the second world war, and to think about the Nation's future.3rd May Constitution Memorial Day 昭和の日 (Kenpo kinenbi)
Constitution Memorial Day celebrates the 'Peace Constitution' - the 1947 Constitution of Japan which came into effect on May 3rd, 1947. This is the only day of the year that the National Diet Building is open to members of the public. Politicians often use this event to reflect on the meaning of democracy and Japanese government. For example, in 2003, several Japanese newspapers ran articles on Japan's seemingly outdated Article 9, (a clause in the National Constitution of Japan that prohibits an act of war by the state.) -
4th May Greenery Day* みどりの日 (Midori no hi)
This national holiday celebrates the seasons and reminds the Japanese to 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."5th May Children's Day* こどもの日 (Kodomo no hi)
This national holiday was established in 1948, (like many others) as a day on which to encourage the personalities of children and plan for their happiness. It is often easy to see Children's Day in Japan since the culture is that families who have a boy in their home fly koi streamers and decorate their homes with armour or place samurai dolls outside.Third Monday of JulyMarine Day* 海の日 (Umi no hi)
This national holiday started in 1996 to thank and respect the seas. Remembering that Japan is an island nation and is heavily reliant on its fishing industries, this day is seen as a mark of gratitude. It is worth noting here that each Japanese person, eats, on average, their own body weight in fish each year! Our guest speaker in week two will be discussing more about Japanese food and culture. -
Third Monday of September Respect-for-the-Aged Day* 敬老の日 (Keirō no hi)
This national holiday was established in 1966 as a day to respect the elderly and celebrate long life. Japan has one of the highest life expectancy rates in the world, at 81.25 years of age as of 2006 so understandably they are keen to celebrate this fact!Around the 23rd September Autumnal equinox* 秋分の日 (Shūbun no hi)
This national holiday was established in 1948, (like all the rest) as a day on which to honour family ancestors and their deceased relatives. Prior to 1948, the autumnal equinox was an imperial ancestor worship festival called Shūki kōrei-sai (秋季皇霊祭).Second Monday of October Health and Sports Day* 体育の日 (Taiiku no hi)
This national holiday was established in 1966 as a day on which to enjoy sports and cultivate a healthy mind and body. Originally this was held on the 10th October to commemorate the anniversary of the opening ceremony of the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.November 3 Culture Day* 文化の日 (Bunka no hi)
This national holiday was established in 1948 to celebrate announcement of the Constitution. It is recognised as a day to celebrate peace and freedom and promote culture. Tradtionally, this date was also used to commemorate the birthday of Emperor Meiji. -
November 23 Labour Thanksgiving Day* 勤労感謝の日 (Kinrō kansha no hi)
This national holiday was established in 1948, (like the rest of the 'new' holidays) as an occasion for promoting hard-work, celebrating production and giving one another thanks for their 'hard-work'. Rather like Culture Day, Labour Thanksgiving Day was a replacement for an imperial harvest festival called Niiname-sai (新嘗祭).December 23 The Emperor's Birthday* 天皇誕生日 (Tennō tanjōbi)
This has been a national holiday since 1868 and is an event to commemorate the birthday of the reigning emperor, currently for Emperor Akihito who was born on the 23rd December 1933.