Category: Japanese Holidays

In Japan, if a national holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday will also be a holiday. If a day lies between two national holidays, the day will also be turned into a holiday. January 1-New Year (Shogatsu-National holiday) The most important holiday in Japan. Though January 1 is the official designated national holiday, many businesses remain closed until January 3. Special decor for homes and special New Years food is prepared as families gather to hope for good luck for the coming year. Many people visit shrines and temples as well to pray for good luck for the new year. Second Monday of January-Coming of Age(Seijin no Hi-National holiday) Males and females turning 20 years old are celebrated dressing up formally on this national holiday. At the age of 20, they are now considered adults and may legally drink, vote, and smoke. February 3-Beginning of Spring(Setsubun-Not a national holiday)Celebrated at shrines and temples nationwide. For many centuries, people on this day have been performing rituals to chase away the evil spirits at the start of spring. The one ritual that is still performed today in Japan is the throwing of roasted beans around one’s house and at shrines and temples across the country. While throwing the beans, you are supposed to shout “Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!” (“Devil out, Happiness in”). After, you are to pick up and eat the number of beans, which corresponds to your age. February 11-National Foundation Day(Kenkoku Kinenbi-National holiday)Japanese history records that Read More