Enjoy Japanese National Holidays and Annual Events

This article introduces how to spend and enjoy Japan's holidays and annual events.

Japan has many unique events that you won't find anywhere else, providing great tips to enjoy life in Japan.

Japan's National Holidays

First, an introduction to national holidays. Each holiday has its own meaning and has become a national holiday.
Some days there is no special way to celebrate or enjoy them.

Source:国民の祝日について - 内閣府

元日 New Year's Day: January 1st

New Year's Day is a day to celebrate the beginning of the year.
You can enjoy Japanese New Year culture by eating osechi dishes and ozoni, and visiting shrines for the first time in the year.

成人の日 Coming of Age Day: Second Monday in January

Coming of Age Day  is a day to celebrate young people who have reached the age of 20 as adults.
On Coming of Age Day, 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.

建国記念日 National Foundation Day: February 11th

National Foundation Day is a day to celebrate the establishment of the country of Japan.
It is also recommended to enjoy Japanese culture by researching Japanese history and participating in events held at shrines.

天皇誕生日 Emperor's Birthday: February 23rd

The Emperor's Birthday is a day to celebrate the birth of the Emperor.
 
On this day, the "General Sangha" is held in the plaza inside the Imperial Palace, where the Emperor resides.
Participants express their congratulations to Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress.

春分の日 Vernal Equinox Day: March 20th or 21st

On 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.
As the vernal equinox passes and the days get longer, one can sense that spring is approaching.
 
The three days before and after the vernal equinox are also called "Higan", a period of thanksgiving to ancestors.
In Japan, families visit graves and make offerings at Buddhist altars.

昭和の日 Showa Day : April 29th

In Japan, there are year names. The year is the name given to a period of time. The current year 2024 is "令和(Reiwa)".
 
"昭和(Showa)" is the year between December 25th, 1926 and January 7th, 1989.
From January 8th, 1989, it is "平成(Heisei)"
Showa Day is a day to remember the Showa era.
 
During the Showa period, there was war in Japan. After the war ended, it was a time of reconstruction until worldwide events such as the Tokyo Olympics and World Expo were held.
 
A visit to a museum with items from the Showa period might provide an opportunity to learn about the changes in Japanese life.

憲法記念日 Constitution Day: May 3rd

Constitution Day commemorates the creation of the Japanese Constitution.

みどりの日 Greenery Day: May 4th

Greenery Day is a day to appreciate nature.
This is the perfect time of year for outdoor activities and hiking because it is neither too hot nor too cold.

こどもの日 Children's Day: May 5th

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 "Koi Noboris (carp streamers)".
This is in the hope that children will grow up strong and healthy, just like carp, which swim well even in rivers with strong currents.

海の日 Sea Day: Third Monday in July

Umi no Hi is a day to give thanks to the sea.
Just at this time of year, the "opening of the sea" is held, and people can swim at the beaches until the end of summer.

山の日 Mountain Day: August 11st

Mountain Day is a day to appreciate and get close to the mountains.
Going hiking or camping will lead you to think about the mountains.

敬老の日 Respect for the Aged Day : Third Monday in September

Respect for the Aged Day is a day to celebrate the elderly.
In Japan, it is customary for families to gather together to celebrate by giving presents to grandparents.

秋分の日 Autumn Equinox Day: September 22nd or 23rd

Autumn Equinox Day is a day to give thanks to our ancestors and think of those who have passed away.
Like Vernal Equinox Day, the three days before and after are higan, or higan holidays, during which people visit graves and make offerings.

スポーツの日 Sports Day: Second Monday in October

Sports Day is a day to enjoy sports and build a healthy body.
October is a good time to do sports because it is not too hot and the weather is gradually getting cooler.

文化の日 Culture Day: November 3rd

Culture Day is a day to love freedom and peace and to be familiar with culture.
Art events are held not only in museums and galleries, but also in many other places.

勤労感謝の日 Labor Thanksgiving Day : November 23rd

Labor Thanksgiving Day is a day to give thanks to those who work.

Source: "About National Holidays," Cabinet Office

Annual Events in Japan

Next, we will introduce some of Japan's annual events. Some events are as exciting as festivals.
Although they are not closed as national holidays, there are other annual events.

節分 Setsubun: February 3rd

Setsubun is a day to drive away bad things at the change of seasons from winter to spring.
 
In Setsubun, "Mamemaki (bean-throwing ceremony)" is held.
Since ancient times, ogres have been considered evil, and the custom of throwing beans to drive them away has continued to this day.
 
In addition to bean-throwing, there is also the custom of eating sushi called "Ehomaki".
It is said that if you face the auspicious direction of the year and eat without speaking, your wish will come true.

バレンタインデー Valentine's Day: February 14th

Valentine's Day is also celebrated in Japan.
Originally, it was a day for women to give chocolates to the man of their choice.
Recently, there are some cultures that are unique to Japan, such as the " Reward Chocolate" custom, in which people buy chocolate for themselves.

ひな祭り Doll's Festival (Hinamatsuri): March 3rd

Hinamatsuri is a day to wish for the healthy growth and happiness of girls.
At home, dolls called "hina dolls" are displayed for a few days.
The day will be spent with the whole family eating traditional dishes such as "chirashi-zushi".

ホワイトデー White Day: March 14th

White Day is the day when men give back Valentine's Day.
Chocolates, marshmallows, and flowers are often given.
 
Incidentally, the culture of White Day began in Japan.
It is said that this is because Japan has a culture of giving back to those who have given to us.

母の日 Mother's Day (Haha no Hi): Second Sunday in May

Mother's Day is a day to thank your mother.
In Japan, it is customary to give carnations to mothers as a token of gratitude.
Other gifts such as letters and sweets are given to the family members to spend precious time together.

父の日 Father's Day (Chichi no Hi): Third Sunday in June

Father's Day is a day to thank your father.
Like Mother's Day, the family spends precious time together, giving letters, beer, and other gifts.

七夕 Star Festival (Tanabata): July 7th

Tanabata is a day related to a legend in Japan.
 
The legend is about Orihime and Hikoboshi.
They were allowed to meet across the Milky Way only once a year, on this Tanabata day.
 
Tradition has it that on this day, Orihime and Hikoboshi fulfill people's wishes.
For this reason, it is customary to write one's wishes on a piece of paper called a tanzaku and decorate it on a bamboo leaf during Tanabata Festival.
 
As Tanabata approaches, bamboo leaves and strips of paper can be seen in various places around town.
There are places where you can freely write strips of paper, so try it out!

お盆 Obon Festival: August 13th to 16th

Although it varies from region to region, the Obon period is usually from August 13th to 16th.
(In some areas of Kanto, such as Tokyo, Obon is still celebrated on the 13th to 15th day of the seventh lunar month.)
 
It is said that during Obon, deceased ancestors temporarily return to their families.
Therefore, it is customary for families to gather together to visit graves and make offerings.

ハロウィーン Halloween: October 31st

On Halloween, people in Japan dress up in costumes and have parties at home.
Many people enjoy decorating their rooms and playing cosplay.

クリスマス Christmas: December 25th

Christmas is a Christian celebration, but it is also popular in Japan.
During the Christmas season, the city is decorated with beautiful illuminations and Christmas trees.

大晦日 New Year's Eve (Oomisoka):

New Year's Eve is a day to celebrate the end of the year.
 
On New Year's Eve, the traditional event of ringing the Joya no Kane (bell) tolling 108 times is held at temples.
 
In Buddhism, it is said that there are 108 human afflictions (things that cause distress and suffering).
Therefore, each time the bells are rung, one by one they are extinguished, in the hope that the next year will be a happy one.
Some temples allow visitors to ring as well, so check them out if you are interested.
 
At home, the family spends a relaxing time together, eating "New Year's Eve Soba" and watching special New Year's Eve programs.

And lastly

Japan has a variety of national holidays and annual events.
 
It would be more enjoyable to learn more about why the day is there and how it is spent.
It will also give you a chance to learn more about Japanese history and culture.
 
Enjoy Japanese life more through Japanese holidays and annual events.