Japan is a country that knows how to honor its traditions. But when you look closely at the holidays, you wonder if everyone, even the Japanese, really understands what they are all about. Sea Day? Mountain Day? But what does it mean? Between celebrations that sometimes sound like poems and others that leave even the locals perplexed, let's explore these unusual holidays together (and what they mean... or not).
1. Sea Day (Umi no Hi): Why is everyone rushing to the beach?
Celebrated on the third Monday of July , Sea Day is meant to honor the ocean and express gratitude for its blessings. In practical terms, most Japanese people take this day to go sunbathing and have barbecues at the beach. It is also often the time of year when the rainy season ends, but we are never safe!
But why a day dedicated to the sea? Probably because Japan is an island and, well, the ocean is important. In fact, if you are in Tokyo on that day, there is the festival of Odaiba, a beach in front of the city where the Japanese come to put up paper lanterns, these are magnificent images.
2. Mountain Day (Yama no Hi): Mandatory climbing?
If you thought celebrating the sea was weird, wait until you discover Mountain Day . This holiday, celebrated on August 11 , is brand new since it was introduced in 2014. The idea? To celebrate Japan's mountains. Why August 11? Well, the number 8 (八) looks like a mountain, and 11 looks like two trees.
So what do the Japanese do on this day? Do they all climb Mount Fuji and sing haikus? Not at all. In fact, many stay home. The more adventurous might go hiking. The paradox of this holiday is that even in a country as mountainous as Japan ( more than 70% of the country is mountainous) , the mountains are not really in the spotlight. That's why the Japanese Alpine Club advocated for this holiday!
But hey, it's a good excuse for a nature getaway or, more realistically, for a good nap at home.
3. Senior Citizens' Day (Keirō no Hi): Honoring the Elderly… in Moderation
Celebrated on the third Monday of September , Seniors Day is a day to honor seniors. We thank them for their contributions to society and wish them health and longevity. Sounds nice, right? In theory, yes.
In practice, most young people take this day as a simple day of rest. As for the elderly, some take advantage of it to get together with their family... or to do sports activities (because staying in shape is important, even at 90 years old).
4. Culture Day (Bunka no Hi): A (not so) cultural celebration
Celebrated on November 3 , Culture Day is meant to promote… well, culture. This includes art, music, literature, and anything related to creative expression. In theory, it’s the perfect day to visit a museum or attend cultural events.
In reality, many Japanese people are content to enjoy a quiet holiday, and artists can sometimes find themselves partying.
Some official events take place, like art shows or school performances, but the vast majority of people take this day as a mini-break before diving back into the routine.
Constitution Day (Kenpō Kinenbi): Legal Holiday or Long Nap?
May 3 is Constitution Day , which marks the adoption of the Japanese Constitution in 1947. It's an important holiday, but let's be honest: How many Japanese actually spend their day thinking about the Constitution? Not many.
In fact, most people take advantage of it to go on vacation, because this day falls within the Golden Week , that famous period of consecutive public holidays that allows you to rest, travel or just… relax. Discussions about the subtleties of the law are for another day.
Sports Day (Taiiku no Hi): Move… or stay in front of the TV?
Celebrated on the second Monday of October , Sports Day is meant to promote physical activity. The day was created after the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, and the idea is to stay active. In theory, schools and businesses organize sporting events to encourage people to move.
In practice, many Japanese simply take an extra day off… or watch sports on TV (which counts, right?).
Conclusion: A holiday calendar full of mysteries and well-deserved rest!
Japanese public holidays are as diverse as they are mysterious, reflecting a clever mix of tradition, nature, and modernity. Whether you are a resident or a tourist, take advantage of these days off to immerse yourself in local festivities and discover Japan from a different perspective. Celebrate the Japanese way: relax, explore, and be surprised!
And you, in your country, do you celebrate public holidays?
