NEWS

Hello everyone!

Did you know that the Japanese calendar actually has many national holidays and annual events?

It is surprisingly little known.

During your precious time in Japan, let's enjoy the events of Japanese life.

In this article, we will introduce how to spend and enjoy Japanese annual events and public holidays. (Some content may overlap slightly with previous articles!)


Showa Day (Showa no Hi): 29 April.
In Japan, there are year names. The year is the name given to a period of time. The current year 2024 is ‘2024’.

Showa’ is the name of the year between 25 December 1926 and 7 January 1989.

(From 8 January 1989 it will be Heisei).

Showa Day is a day to remember the Showa era.

During the Showa period, there was war in Japan. After the war, it was a time of reconstruction until world events such as the Tokyo Olympics and Expo ‘70 took place. 

A visit to a museum with items from the Showa period may give you an opportunity to learn about the changes in Japanese life.

Constitution Day (Constitution Day): 3 May
Constitution Day commemorates the creation of Japan's Constitution.

Greenery Day: 4 May
Greenery Day is a day to appreciate nature.

This is the perfect time of year for outdoor activities and hiking as it is neither too hot nor too cold.　

Children's Day: 5 May
Children's Day is a day to wish for the happiness of children and to thank the mothers who gave birth to them.

On this day, it is customary to decorate ‘koinobori’ (carp streamers).

This is done in the hope that children will grow up strong and healthy like carp, which swim well even in rivers with strong currents.

Sea Day: third Monday in July
Marine Day is a day to give thanks to the sea.

Just at this time of year, the ‘sea opens’ and people can swim at the beaches until the end of summer.

Mountain Day: 11 August.
Mountain Day is a day to appreciate and get close to the mountains.

Going hiking or camping will give you a chance to think about the mountains.

Respect for the Aged Day (Keiro no Hi): third Monday in September.
Respect for the Aged Day is a day to celebrate the elderly.

In Japan, it is customary for families to get together to celebrate by giving presents to grandparents.

Autumn Equinox Day: 22 or 23 September.
The autumnal equinox is a day to give thanks to ancestors and remember those who have passed away.

Like Vernal Equinox Day, the three days before and after are higan, when people visit graves and make offerings.

Sports Day: second Monday in October
Sports Day is a day to enjoy sports and keep fit.

October is not too hot and the weather is gradually getting cooler, so it is a good time to play sports.

Culture Day (Bunka no Hi): 3 November
Culture Day is a day for freedom, peace-loving people and culture.

Art events are held in many places, not only in museums and galleries.


Labour Thanksgiving Day (Kinro-Kansha-no-Hi): 23 November.
Labor Thanksgiving Day is a day to give thanks to working people.


There are various national holidays and annual events in Japan.

You may enjoy them more if you know why they exist and how they are spent.

It is also a good opportunity to learn more about Japanese history and culture.

Please enjoy Japanese life more through Japanese national holidays and annual events.


instagram

realestatejapan