Japan is one of Asia’s most prominent countries and is a country famous for its culture and history. Japan's population of 126 million makes it the 10th largest country in the world. Its capital is Tokyo, home to more than 9 million people and the greater Tokyo area with a total of 35 million people is the world’s largest metropolitan area. Japan is a developed country with a high standard of living and whose population enjoys the highest life expectancy in the world. The country has the world's 3rd largest economy by nominal GDP.

Japan - 2021 Holidays & Observances

New Year’s Eve

Japan, unlike Vietnam or China, has no Lunar New Year as Japanese people is no longer follow Lunar calendar. Instead, they have New Year Day that takes place on January 1st. Japanese people celebrate New Year Eve like Western countries with countdown parites, fireworks and greetings. Furthermore, the largest bell at Chiyo-in Temple in Kyoto will be

Coming of Age Day

Coming of Age Day is celebrated on the second Monday of January. It is held to congratulate people who reach 20, the age of majority. This festival includes Coming Of Age ceremonies held at local and prefectural offices, as well as after-parties with family and friends. The ceremony reflects the expanded right as well as increase responsibilities o

Foundation Day

Foundation Day is a special holiday because it’s origin is New Year’s Day in the traditional lunar calendar (which Japanese people had stopped using since 1873). According to Japanese legend, on this day, Emperor Jimmu founded Japan in 660BC.

Vernal Equinox Day

This holiday occurs around March 20. It is also known as Shunbun no Hi in Japanese. The Vernal Equinox is welcomed across Japan as it marks the end of winter and the start of warmer spring. It also signal a special event: Cherry Blossom Festival. Therefore, this is a good time for tourists to visit Japan

Showa Day

Showa Day is celebrated in April 29, which is the birthday of Emperor Hirohito in 1901. Hirohito ruled Japan for 63 years, from 1926 to 1989. He played a big role in Japan’s economic miracle after World War 2. Therefore, Japanese people decided to make his birthday a national holiday in order to thank him.

Constitution Memorial Day

Constitution Memorial is a national holiday in Japan. It takes place on May 3 in celebration of the promulgation of the Constitution of Japan in 1947. This day is often chosen as a day to reflect on the meaning of democracy and Japanese government with parades and meetings of politicians, citizens, journalists, e.t.c

Greenery Day

As the name suggests, it is a day for nature appreciation. On this day, tree plantings are held around the country. This helps bring people closer to nature. Greenery Day makes up a Golden Week in Japan. Thus, it is a good time for vacations.

Children’s Day

May 5 is Children Day, when families celebrate the healthy growth and happiness of their kids. Children Day used to be only for boys but for now It is a holiday for all children being happy. During this occasion, fish-shaped kites and dolls are in everywhere since they are Japanese children’s favorite toys.

Marine Day

At first, this day is a celebration of an emperor’s sea voyage. Now, its meaning has change as a day to gratitude the sea, honour its importance, and pray for the prosperity of Japan as a maritime nation. In celebration of Marine Day all the national aquariums organize special events, water sports competitions, water shows, and cultural activities

Respect-for-the-Aged Day

Not only Japanese kids have a holiday, but also Japanese elders have their holiday, Respect-for-the-Aged Day. Respect of the Aged Day, or Keiro no Hi, was established as a national holiday in 1966 to express respect for the elders in the community, and to recognize and thank them for their contributions to society and last but not least, celebrate

Autumnal Equinox Day

Autumnal Equinox Day is the beginning of Autumn. This day, like Qingming in China, is a day for people to respect their ancestors and remember the deceased. On this day, Japanese people often visit their ancestors’ graves.

Health and Sports Day

Health and Sports Day is a national holiday in Japan held annually on the second Monday in October. At first, Its purpose is commemorating the opening of the 1964 Summer Olympics being held in Tokyo. Later, it exists to encourage people playing sports for an active lifestyle. Activities such as parades, meetings and of course, sporting competitions

Culture Day

Culture Day is a national holiday held annually in Japan on November 3 for the purpose of promoting culture, the arts, and academic endeavour. On this day, a variety of events are included such as parades, art exhibitions and presentations. People who have outstanding contributions in the field of science, art or culture are awarded by Japanese emp

Labour Thanksgiving Day

Labour Thanksgiving Day has the same roots as Thanksgiving in the US – it was once a fall harvest festival, but has since changed in meaning. Nowadays, Labor Thanksgiving Day is a holiday celebrating workers, nurses, police officers, … in Japan.

The Emperor’s Birthday

As its name suggests, it celebrates Emperor’s birthday. Of course, the date of this holiday is determined by the reigning Emperor. Emperor Akihito was born on December 23, 1933 so December 23 is present Emperor’s Birthday