NEWS

Hello everyone!

Did you know that there are actually many national holidays and annual events when you look at the Japanese calendar?

Surprisingly, it seems that many people are unaware of them.

Let's enjoy the events of Japanese life during your precious stay in Japan.

In this article, we will introduce how to spend and enjoy Japanese annual events and holidays. (Some of the information in this article may be similar to that in the previous article!)

Japanese Holidays
It may come as a surprise to those who have the image that “Japanese people don't take many holidays,” but Japan has 16 national holidays a year.

This is more than in other countries.

Annual Events in Japan
Various annual events have been held in Japan since ancient times, such as Obon and Setsubun.

Many of these events are unique to Japan and may give you some hints on how to enjoy life in Japan.

Holidays in Japan
First, let me introduce you to national holidays. Each national holiday has its own meaning and has become a holiday.

Some days have no special celebration or enjoyment.

New Year's Day (Ganjitsu): January 1

New Year's Day is a day to celebrate the beginning of the year.

You can enjoy Japanese New Year's culture by eating osechi dishes and ozoni, and going to shrines for the first time.

Seijin no Hi (Coming of Age Day): Second Monday in January
Seijin-no-hi is a day to celebrate young people who have reached the age of 20.

On Seijin no Hi, each community holds a “coming-of-age ceremony” to celebrate young people who have reached adulthood.

If you go out on the town on this day, you may see adults wearing kimonos or suits.

Kenkoku Kinen no Hi (National Foundation Day): February 11
Kenkoku Kinen no Hi is a day to celebrate the founding of the nation of Japan.

It is also a good time to enjoy Japanese culture by researching the history of Japan and participating in events held at shrines.

Emperor's Birthday: February 23
Emperor's Birthday is a day to celebrate the birth of the Emperor. 

On this day, a “general visit (ippansanga)” is held in the plaza inside the Imperial Palace, where the Emperor resides.

Participants express their congratulations to Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress.

Vernal Equinox Day: March 20 or 21
On the day of the vernal equinox, day and night are said to be of equal length.

During the winter months, the sun is out for a shorter period of time.

After the vernal equinox, when the days become longer, we can sense that spring is approaching.

The three days before and after the vernal equinox are also known as higan, a period of thanksgiving to ancestors.

In Japan, families visit graves and make offerings at Buddhist altars.

Japan has a variety of national holidays and annual events.

 
You may enjoy them more if you learn about the reasons why they exist and how they are spent.

It will also give you a chance to learn more about Japanese history and culture.

We hope you will enjoy your life in Japan even more through Japanese holidays and annual events.


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