Below is a listing with a brief explanation of the official government holidays which are observed in Japan as well as special observances that are not legal holidays. As in America, don't plan on getting any business accomplished on legal holidays, however stores and shops are usually open. Legal Holidays are marked with an (H).
1 January - Ganjitsu - New Year's Day (H).
New Years in Japan has a much deeper significance the we place on it in America. The New Year's Eve observances
are not nearly as party-oriented as ours and the time just before midnight is usually quiet and reverent.
Most Japanese will visit their local Shrine or Temple at Midnight. Actually, the time leading up to
the January First can be more significant than the day itself. For more info, please visit New Year's in Japan
Honors young people who will turn 20 years old any time between 2 April of the previous year and 1 April of the current year. This is the age when Japanese are considered adults. Each community holds a ceremony a Civic Center, Park, or Temple. This is a legal holiday that is a significant event in Japanese society.
This is not a holiday in Japan but a popular observance. Traditionally, it prepares for the coming of Spring and also is used to purify the home and expel evil spirits.
11 February - Kenkoku Kinen no Hi - National Foundation Day (H).
Commemorates the legendary rule of Japan's first Emperor, Jimmu.
Not a holiday, of course, but very much like our Valentine’s Day with a twist. In Japan, girls give gifts to boys on Valentine’s Day but boys don't reciprocate until a month later on White Day. Chocolate is the gift of choice and it is everywhere in the days leading up to the 14th.
This is not a holiday either but it is widely observed. While you may see displays of dolls in traditional garb, families usually observe the day quietly in the home.
This festival is for girls and usually entails displaying finely crafted dolls places on a tiered pedestal. More elaborate displays will include miniture furniture, artifical plants, model weapons and even an oxcart. This practice dates from the early Edo period (1600 - 1868).
Not a holiday but a popular observance. As you may remember, in Japan, women give gifts men on Valentines Day but men do not present gifts to women. White Day is the chance for the guys to return Valentine favors. And, once again, chocolate is the gift of choice.
One of two days each year where the day and night are of equal length. This is the central day of a Buddhist memorial service and is traditionally a day for visits to family graves.
The blossoms of the flowering Cherry tree (Sakura) typically signal the coming of Spring throughout Japan. These trees grow wild in all regions of the country but are also cultivated because of the beauty and delicate nature of the blossoms. Just about any park in the country will boast at least a few Sakura. The Sakura begin to bloom as early as late February in Okinawa and as late as mid-May on Hokkaido. In the Misawa area, they typically bloom in late April.
Cherry blossom viewing is among the most popular gatherings in the country. People from all walks of life meet in public parks with picnic lunches, beer and sake, and portable Karaoke (kah rah oh ke) machines to celebrate this colorful and significant occasion. Those who do not have the luxury of driving their own cars can opt to acquire the services of rental vehicles from prominent companies in Japan. The country represents credible rental car companies and even rival car rental dublin airport and other prestigious companies. Due to the fragile nature of the blossoms, they do not decorate the trees for long. It is only a matter of days after they burst open, that the petals will fall to the ground. The slightest breeze creates a shower of petals similar to show flurries of the recently ended winter.
Note: The period between 29 April and 5 May is known as Golden Week. Schools and most businesses close on the 29th and then from the 3rd through the 5th. With weekends included this makes for a very nice spring break.
This is a newly declared holday and recognized the love the late Emperor Hirohito had for the sea as well as the contribution the ocean makes to the Japanese way of life.
Obon is an annual event that is derived from Buddhist belief that one’s deceased ancestors’ spirits return to earth to visit their living descendants from the 13th to the 15th day of the 7th month of the year. Traditionally lanterns are hung in front of houses to guide the spirits. People visit cemeteries and an extra place is often set at the table for the deceased’s spirit. Bon Odori is a traditional dance that celebrates the occasion. When the three day celebration is ended, lanterns are often floated down a river or stream to show the spirit the way back to their world.
While Obon is not an official government holiday, it occurs during the school system’s summer break. Many companies grant time off to their employees and others take personal time during Obon.
Note- Much of Japan, including the Misawa area celebrates this occasion during August which is the 7th month of the lunar calendar. And the celebration usually lasts until the 17th of the month. Other parts of Japan celebrate it in July which is the 7th month of the solar calendar.
Third weekend in September - Silver Week
A new arrangement as of 2009 that moved one holiday and created a new one to enable a 5-day weekend.
Third Monday - Keiro no Hi - Respect for the Aged Day (H). This day honors Japan's elderly and shows respect for their longevity. It was established to commemorate the enactment of the law concering Welfare for the Aged.
22 Sept Tuesday - Kokumin no Kyujitsu(H). A new hollday dedicated to all gapan as a group.
Third Wednesday - Shuubun no Hi - Autumnal Equinox Day (H). The second time each year that the day and night are of equal length. Visits to family graves and family reunions occur today. This is the central day of a Buddihist memorial period.
2nd Monday in October - Taiiku no Hi - Sports Day (H).
People enthusuastically celebrate good physical and mental health through physical activity on this day. This
holiday was established to commemorate the Tokyo Summer Olympics of 1964. Schools will hold races and other forms of competition in which all students participate and entire familes attend and sometimes take part in some of the events.
3 November - Bunka no Hi - Culture Day (H).
The love of freedom and the wish for continued peace as fostered by Japan's current Constitution are celebrated with cultural activities. Those who have made outstanding contributions in the arts andscholarship are presented witht the Order of Culture in a ceremony at the Imperial Palace. Art exhibitions, concerts and art festivals are held throughout the country and schools have performing arts and culture fairs.
15 November - Shichi-Go-San - 7 - 5 - 3 years old.
Shichi - Go - San. The numbers 7, 5 and 3 representing childrens ages. Age 3 and 7 for girls and age 5 for boys are considered special years. Parents go to shrines to give thanks and pray for the child’s happiness and health. Often a commerative photograph is taken of the child holding special red and white stick candies (Choitose ame). Families gather for dinner to wish the child a long and healthy life.
23 November - Kinro Kansha no Hi - Labor Thanksgiving Day (H).
On this day, people traditionally express gratitude to each other for the blessing that their labors have
produced and for the fruits of that labor.
23 December - Tenno Tanjobi - Emperor's Birthday (H).
Celebration of the birth of the current Emperor, Akihito.
As you can see, with a couple of exceptions, Japan tends to celebrate the human condition and its special phases as well as its appreciation of nature. Whereas we in America usually celebrate an individual's accomplishments or a special event.
