Japan

Children's Day, May 5, was formerly known as Boy's Festival (Tango no Sekku), however, the name was changed to create a more inclusive holiday. Children's Day focuses both on the importance of happy, healthy children and the gratitude children feel toward their parents. Despite the name change, the holiday remains largely geared toward celebrating the health and future … [Read more...] about Children’s Day (Kodomo no hi)

Between Day, May 4, comes as a result of Japanese law: a day that falls between two national holidays is, by default, a holiday, too. Around here, we like to call this the "Holiday With No Name". It's clearly an acknowledgment that people who are taking advantage of the many holidays of Golden Week won't stop vacationing to return to the office for just one day, and the … [Read more...] about Between Day (Kokumin no kyujitsu)

Constitution Day, celebrated on May 3, is a patriotic holiday. The day commemorates the date when the post-war Japanese constitution was enacted. Possibly the most famous part of this constitution is Article 9 which prohibits Japan from participating in war activities, except in cases of self-defense. The Japanese constitution is a point of pride for the citizens of the … [Read more...] about Constitution Day (Kenpo kinenbi)

Originally, Greenery Day was the birthday of Emperor Hirohito (or Emperor Showa, the name bestowed after his death), who died in 1989. After his death, the holiday was transformed into a more national celebration of nature. This holiday has been celebrated on April 29 for many years, but in 2007, the holiday will be moved to May 4, the spot currently occupied by Between Day. … [Read more...] about Greenery Day (Midori no hi)

Japan has a reputation for hard work, but let us assure you of one thing: it's a nation that takes its holidays just as seriously! New Year's and Obon -- the two other biggest holiday events -- only manage a single holiday each. Golden Week incorporates 3 (four, if you count "Between Day") holidays and conveniently timed weekends to make for what can only be described as a … [Read more...] about Golden Week