Japan Public Holiday Calendar

Overview of Japanese Public Holidays

• Coming of Age Day
  Originating from the traditional "Genfuku" (coming-of-age ceremony) historically held during Koshogatsu (Little New Year on the 15th day of the 1st lunar month), January 15 was initially designated as Coming of Age Day. It has since been moved to the second Monday of January under the Happy Monday System.
• National Foundation Day
  A day to celebrate the accession of Emperor Jimmu. Originally established as "Kigen-setsu," the holiday was abolished after World War II but was reinstated in 1967 as National Foundation Day.
• Emperor's Birthday
  The birthday of the reigning Emperor. The current Emperor (Emperor Naruhito) was born on February 23, 1960, at 4:15 PM.
• Vernal Equinox Day
  The exact date of the vernal equinox is determined in February of the preceding year by a Cabinet decision, based on astronomical data published by the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan.
• Showa Day
  The birthday of Emperor Showa. From 1990 to 2006, this holiday was observed as "Greenery Day," but it was renamed "Showa Day" in 2007.
• Constitution Memorial Day
  Established as a public holiday in 1948 to commemorate the enforcement of the Constitution of Japan on May 3, 1947.
• Greenery Day
  A holiday that forms part of the consecutive holidays known as Golden Week. The name "Greenery Day" was previously given to Emperor Showa's birthday (now "Showa Day") from 1990 to 2006.
• Children's Day
  Influenced by the traditional Chinese Dragon Boat Festival (Duanwu Festival) held on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month, Japan designated May 5 of the Gregorian calendar as Children's Day.
• Marine Day
  A day to celebrate the prosperity of Japan as a maritime nation. It commemorates the return of Emperor Meiji to the Port of Yokohama on July 20 following a sea voyage to Northeast Japan and Hokkaido. Originally fixed on July 20, it was later moved to the third Monday of July.
• Mountain Day
  A new public holiday introduced in 2016. Following the creation of Marine Day in 1995, public calls grew to establish a corresponding day to appreciate Japan's mountains.
• Respect for the Aged Day
  Originated shortly after World War II in Hyogo Prefecture as "Old Folks' Day," selected during the agricultural off-season. The practice spread nationwide and was officially designated as a national holiday in 1948. It is observed on the third Monday of September.
• Autumnal Equinox Day
  The exact date of the autumnal equinox is determined in February of the preceding year by a Cabinet decision, based on astronomical data published by the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan.
• Sports Day
  A holiday commemorating October 10, the opening day of the Tokyo 10-Day Olympics in 1964. It was subsequently moved to the second Monday of October.
• Culture Day
  A holiday commemorating the promulgation of the current Constitution of Japan on November 3, 1946. November 3 was originally the birthday of Emperor Meiji, celebrated as "Tencho-setsu" during the Meiji era, and later as "Meiji-setsu" until 1945.
• Labor Thanksgiving Day
  Derived from Niiname-sai, the traditional harvest ritual where the Emperor offers newly harvested rice to the deities. After World War II, it was redefined as a national public holiday to appreciate labor and production.

National Flag & Anthem of Japan

National Flag

The national flag of Japan is the "Hinomaru" (The Circle of the Sun).

National Anthem