January
|
1
|
Ganjitsu (New Year’s Day)
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This is the most important holiday in Japan. It is a time when
people celebrate the beginning of the new year and recall the events
of old.
|
15
|
Seijin-no-Hi (Coming of Age Day)
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In Japan, a person is considered an adult on his 20th birthday.
This day is set aside for those who have turned 20 in the previous
year to encourage them to be thoughtful and productive adults.
|
February
|
11
|
Kenkoku Kinene-no-Hi (National Foundation Day)
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Legend has it that over 2,600 years ago on this day, Jimmu, the
first emperor of Japan, ascended the throne. On this joyous occasion,
Japanese celebrate their national legacy.
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March
|
20
|
Shumbun-no-Hi (Vernal Equinox Day)
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This day is devoted to promoting the love of nature and all its
creatures.
|
April
|
29
|
Midori-no-Hi (Greenery Day)
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This day was the birthday of the late emperor Showa. Upon his death
in 1989, it was renamed Greenery Day and designated a national
holiday.
|
May
|
3
|
Kempo Kinen-Bi (Constitution Memorial Day)
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This anniversary marks the formation of the Constitution of Japan.
It is celebrated to increase awareness of the Constitution.
|
5
|
Kodomo-no-Hi (Children’s Day)
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Since ancient times, 5 May has been celebrated as Boys’ Festival.
However, after World War II, it was designated a holiday for all
children of Japan.
|
September
|
15
|
Keiro-no-Hi (Respect for the Aged Day)
|
On this day, people thank the elderly of the nation for their
contribution to Japanese society.
|
22
|
Shubun-no-hi (Autumnal Equinox Day)
|
This is the day when Japanese worship their ancestors by offering
prayers at their tombs.
|
October
|
10
|
Taiiku-no-Hi (Health Sports Day)
|
As the name suggests, this day promotes the mental and physical
health of the people through the enjoyment of sports.
|
November
|
3
|
Bunka-no-Hi (Culture Day)
|
Culture Day fosters the love of freedom, peace and culture. Awards
are given by the government to people who have made significant
cultural contributions.
|
24
|
Kinro Kansha-no-Hi (Labour Thanksgiving Day)
|
On this day, Japan honours its workers, promotes respect for labour
and celebrates the bountiful harvest.
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December
|
23
|
Tenno Tanjo-Bi (The Emperor’s Birthday)
|
On this day, the emperor of Japan appears together with his family
on the balcony of the Imperial Palace to greet crowds of well-wishers
who are allowed to enter the Palace.
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