Japanese National Holidays

Submitted by admin on Sun, 07/27/2008 - 18:50

For as much as the Japanese work ethic is praised, they sure have quite a lot of national holidays. (at least it seems so as I type this...)
This list may be a little out of date. Please consult a calendar before making dinner reservations.

WHEN?	NAME:	WHAT?
Jan 1	元日 ganjitsu New Year's Day	New year is celebrated
2nd Monday in Jan	成人の日 seijin no hi Coming of Age Day	Those who are 20 become adults
Feb 11	建国記念の日 kenkoku kinen no hi National Foundation Day	Japan's legendary first emperor, Jimmu, is said to have began his reign
Mar 20 or 21	春分の日 shunbun no hi Vernal Equinox Day
Ap ri l 29	緑の日 midori no hi Greenery Day	Celebrate nature's goodness & former Emperor Showa's birthday
May 3	憲法記念日 kenpou kinenbi Constitution Day	Commemorates the Costitution of Japan
May 4	( Added Holiday )	Golden Week wouldn't be Golden Week if you had to work in-between two consecutive holidays!
May 5	子どもの日 kodomo no hi Children's Day	This is the holiday where Carp kites are put up outside
July 20	海の日 umi no hi Marine Day	Starting in 1996 this holiday recognizes the importance the ocean holds for Japan
Sept 15	敬老の日 keirou no hi Respect for the Aged Day	Celbrates the elderly
Sept 23 or 24	秋分の日 shuubun no hi Autumnal Equinox Day
2nd Monday in Oct	体育の日 tai iku no hi Health Sports Day	Promotes sports and health
Nov 3	文化の日 bunka no hi Culture Day	Celebrates culture
Nov 23	勤労感謝の日 kinrou kansha no hi Labor Thanksgiving day	For as hard as the Japanese work, they need this and more!
Dec 23	天皇誕生日 tennou tanjoubi Emperor's Birthday	Japan's present Emperor, Akihito's birthday