The Holidays of Japan

In 1948, the Public Holiday Law declared that these holidays would be officially recognized by the country of Japan:

• January 1, to celebrate the first day of the year.
• January 2nd is known as Coming of Age Day, and individuals who will turn twenty during the year are allowed to drink alcohol on this day.
• National Foundation Day is celebrated on February 11th, and on this day citizens express their love for their country.
• Toward the middle of March, citizens celebrate Vernal Equinox Day by tending to the gravestones of their ancestors in order to show their love for all that has lived.
• Showa Day is celebrated on April 29th, in honor of the birthday of the late Emperor Showa.
• Constitution Memorial Day marks the beginning of the postwar constitution, and it is celebrated on May 3.
• On May 4, Greenery Day is used to show gratitude for nature and all its blessings.
• May 5 is Children’s Day, a time to plan for the happiness of one’s children.
• Appreciation for the blessings of the oceans is celebrated on the third Monday in July.
• The third Monday of September is a day to show respect for the elderly.
• The Autumnal Equinox is celebrated around the third week of September to honor the dead.
• The second Monday of October is Health and Sports Day.
• Culture Day is celebrated on November 3rd.
• Labor Thanksgiving Day is November 23.
• The Emperor’s Birthday is celebrated on December 23rd.