EXPLANATIONS

New Year's Day

The last day of a year is called ômisoka. Japanese eat buckwheat noodles, or toshikoshi soba, that means long life. Just before midnight, temples begin to hit the gong 108 times, called joya no kane. Younger people do countdown parties like the U.S.
New Year's Days last three days. People spend relaxing in front of the television, watching special New Year's programs, the Rugby football games and ekiden. Children have considerable amount of money, or otoshi dama, from their parents, grandparents and relatives.

Coming-of-age Day

This is the day that 20-year-old people gather in a public place such as a city hall. Many city governments hold coming-of-age parties for them. The age of 20 is legal drinking and smoking age in Japan, and 20-year-old people are given rights and obligations as adults.

National Foundation Day

According to old records, the nation of Japan began on February 11, 660 B.C., when the first emperor, Emperor Jimmu, acceeded to the throne. Japanese celebrate this day as the birth of their country. Shrines hold rituals and events.

Vernal Equinox Day

Japanese Buddhists believe that their ancestors' spirits come back to this world around this day. They make mothering to meet their grave. They often eat rice cakes with bean jam, called botamochi.

Showa Day

April 29 is the birthday of Emperor Showa, or Emperor Hirohito, who reigned this country from 1926 to 1989. These years were called "the Showa Era" and it is very important for modern Japanese people because this country was dramatically changed from the militaristic nation to one of democratic countries for these 60 years, and because Japan became one of perfectly rich country in this era. This day commemorates the era of Showa.

Constitution Commemorial Day

This day commemorates the execution of the Japan's current Constitution, which took effect on May 3, 1948. Although the Constitution was made under control and instruction of America's General Headquarter, many Japanese worship it as a symbol of peace.

Greenery Day

This national holiday was on April 29 until 2006. From 2007 this day is moving to May 4 because a new national holiday called Showa Day is set on April 29.

Children's Day

This day is one of Japan's traditional annual events. People raise cloth carp, or koinobori, on poles outside the house, and inside on stands they place warrior dolls in helmets and armor, or gogatsu ningyô, to which they offer oak-leaf-wrapped rice cakes (kashiwamochi) and boiled rice cakes (chimaki).

Marine Day

This is the newest national holiday, so many Japanese may not know this day. There are many events about navigation on this day.

Respect-for-the-aged Day

This is the day Japanese give thanks to old people for their long-year contribution to this country.

Autumnal Equinox Day

This is identical to the vernal equinox day in March. People make mothering, and eat the rice cakes, called o-hagi.

Health Sports Day

The Japan's first Olympic games began in Tokyo on October 10, 1964. Japanese people commemorate the beginning of Japan's sport culture on this day, when various events on sport and health are held everywhere.

Culture Day

On this day, the Emperor gives the accolade to this year's distinguished contributers.

Labor Thanksgiving Day

This is the day Japanese give thanks to their gods for their harvest. The Emperor sends messengers that bring this year's first harvest into Ise Jingu shrine, the Japan's main shrine.

Emperor's Birthday

This is the birthday of the current Emperor, Akihito, who was born on December 23, 1933. On this day, every TV station broadcasts special programs about the Emperor and the Imperial Family.

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