Japan's National Holidays (from July to December)

Japan's National Holidays (from January to May)

July

Marine Day (Umi no Hi) [3rd Monday]

The day of gratitude for the ocean's blessings and hoping for Japan's maritime prosperity.

September

Respect-for-the-Aged Day (Keiro no Hi) [3rd Monday]

The nation pays respect to the elderly and celebrates long life.

Autumnal equinox (Shubun no Hi) [Around September 23]

Honoring ancestors and remembering the dead. Till 1948, an imperial ancestor worship festival, Shuki korei-sai.

October

Health and Sports Day (Taiiku no Hi) [2nd Monday]

Going in for sports and cultivating a healthy mind and body. Stems from celebrating the Tokyo Olympics opening anniversary in 1964.

November

Culture Day (Bunka no Hi) [November 3]

The 1946 new constitution day to mark peace, freedom and promote culture.

Labor Thanksgiving Day (Kinro Kansha no Hi) [November 23]

Praising labor, celebrating production and thanking each other. Comes from an imperial harvest festival, Niiname-sai.

December

The Emperor's Birthday (Tenno Tanjobi) [December 23]

A national holiday since 1868. This day in 1933 Emperor Akihito was born.