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National
Holidays in Japan
Please take notice that the actual dates of Japan's National Holidays
vary each year. Almost every month of the year has a National Holiday,
so when you do travel to Japan, check with your first Japanese contact,
whether it be a currency exchange clerk at the airport or your accommodation
front desk clerk and ask for the exact dates. Thank you.
New Year's Holidays - OShogatsu
and Ganjitsu
December 27 to January 4 and adjoining weekends. Arguably the most important
holiday in Japan - all government, school, public or private organizations
and companies are closed. Everyone goes home to visit relatives; the
downtown of cities like Tokyo are deserted. However, many shops and stores
including convenience stores open even during the holidays.
Coming Of Age Day - Seijin no Hi
On January 15th, a day of honour for those who have their 20th birthday.
All of these ' age of consent' adults are now legally allowed to smoke,
drink and vote after this day.
National Foundation Day - Kenkoku Kinen Bi
February 11 is the commemoration of the founding of the Japanese nation.
Spring Equinox - Shunbun no Hi
March 21, an important period in the Buddhist calendar for paying respect
to one's ancestors and also officially the first day of the spring season.
Showa Day
April 29 is the birthday of Emperor Showa (Hirohito). In 1989, after
the death of Emperor Hirohito, considered a lover of nature, the day
was declared a " Greenery Day ". And, in 2007, Greenery Day
has been changed to Showa day.
Greenery Day - Midori No Hi
Greenery Day was formerly on April 29. It has changed to May 4 in 2007.
Constitution Day - Kempo Kinembi
May 3 commemorates the establishment of Japan's constitution in 1947.
Golden Week
Several days at the end of April and/or the beginning
of May which include observed holidays and other celebration days that together
make up a full week of holidays
Boy's Day - Kodomo no Hi
The celebration day, May 5 of young boys in Japan. Very large carp streamers
are hung from flagpoles outside of houses. The fish(carp) represent the
courage and perseverance that young boys should have in life.
Obon
The Buddhist summer festival to honour the dead or welcome
the spirits of the dead on their annual visits to the earthly world (July
13-16 in Tokyo and parts of eastern Japan or August 13-16 in rural areas
and most parts of western Japan. O-Bon can also coincide with O-Chugen,
the annual summer gift-giving time.
Respect for the Aged Day - Keiro no Hi
September 15 is day to honour the elderly, respecting their knowledge
and experience.
Autumn Equinox - Shubun no Hi
September 23 or 24 Similar to the Spring Equinox celebration.
Health and Sports Day - Taiiku no Hi
October 10 is a day to promote health and physical development; also
an commemoration to the 1964 Olympics which were held in Tokyo.
Culture Day - Bunka no Hi
November 3 is the birthday of the past emperor Meiji, considered the
father of the Japan's modernization. In 1946 the holiday was renamed
Culture Day; the holiday is homage to Japan's growth as a nation.
Children's Day - Shichi-go-san
Each year on November 15, the 7, 5 and 3 years old children are celebrated
throughout Japan. The "7 5 3" originates from a shinto rite
which considers that these three ages are critical stages in an individual's
life.
Labour And Thanksgiving Day - Kinro Kansha no Hi
November 23 is a day to appreciate and thank all those who ensure the
country's economic prosperity by their daily work.. Originally a thanksgiving
Shinto ritual at the end of rice harvests.
Emperor's Birthday - Tenno Tanjobi
December 23 is the birthday of the Emperor
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