Summary of Japanese National Holidays (2025)

Japanese national holidays are important days that are deeply rooted in the lives and culture of the people, and there are a variety of holidays throughout the year. Many of these holidays are based on traditional events or historical events and play an important role in modern Japanese society. Below is a list of some of Japan’s national holidays.

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List of Japanese Holiday

1. Syougatsu (New Year’s Day) – January 1-3.

Motsu-no-hi (New Year’s Day) is the most important Japanese holiday. On this day, it is customary for families to gather together to celebrate the New Year and visit shrines and temples (Hatsumoude).

2. Seijin no hi (Adult’s Day) – Second Monday in January.

Seijin-no-hi is a day to celebrate young people who have turned 20 years old. On this day, coming-of-age ceremonies are held in many places, and newcomers renew their commitment to adulthood.

3. Kenkoku Kinen no bi (National Foundation Day) – February 11.

Kenkoku-kinen-bi is a day to celebrate the founding of Japan and is associated with the date of the accession to the throne of Emperor Jinmu, the first Emperor of Japan, in 660 B.C. .

4. Emperor’s Birthday – February 23 (24).

Emperor’s Birthday is a day to celebrate the birthday of the current Emperor of Japan. On the Emperor’s Birthday, ceremonies and festive events are held at the palace, and the people also celebrate.

5. Syunbun no hi (Spring Equinox Day)- March 20 or 21.

Shubun-no-hi is the day when day and night are approximately the same length. It is customary to celebrate the arrival of spring, to pay respect to ancestors, and to visit graves.

6. Showa no hi – April 29.

Showa-no-hi is a day to commemorate the birthday of Emperor Showa and to look back on the events of the Showa Era and honor his achievements.

7. Constitution Day – May 3.

Constitution Day commemorates the day when the Constitution of Japan went into effect. This day provides an opportunity to reaffirm the importance of the Constitution and to reflect on the importance of peace and democracy.

8. Midori no hi (Greenery Day) – May 4.

Midori-no-hi is a day to love and appreciate nature and greenery. It is also positioned as a day to enjoy the beauty of nature and raise awareness of environmental protection.

9. Kodomo no hi (Children’s Day) – May 5.

On Kodomo-no-hi, people traditionally decorate carp streamers and helmets to wish for the healthy growth of their children. This day is also meant to celebrate the growth of boys.

10. Umi no hi (Day of the Sea) – Third Monday in July.

Umi-no-Hi is a day to feel the bounty of the sea and to recognize the importance of the ocean. On this day, ocean and ocean-related events may be held.

11. Yama no hi (Mountain Day ) – August 11.

Yama-no-hi is one of Japan’s national holidays and is observed annually on August 11. This day is a national holiday to express gratitude to nature and people related to mountains, and to rediscover the charm of mountains.

12. Keiro no hi (Respect for the Aged Day )- Third Monday in September.

Keiro-no-hi is a day to honor the elderly and celebrate their longevity. Families hold events to express their gratitude to the elderly.

13. Autumn Equinox Day – September 23.

The Autumnal Equinox is a day when the length of day and night are approximately equal, and celebrates the arrival of autumn. It is also a day to pay respect to ancestors and visit graves.

14. Physical Education Day – Second Monday in October.

Physical Education Day is a day to reaffirm the importance of sports and physical exercise. On this day, athletic meets and sporting events are held in many places.

15. Bunka no hi (Culture Day) – November 3.

Bunka-no-hi is a day to celebrate culture and the arts. Cultural events are held in schools and communities, and there are also ceremonies to award cultural medals and other honors.

16. Kinro-Kansha-no-hi (Labor Thanksgiving Day) – November 23.

Labor Thanksgiving Day is a day to recognize the importance of work and express gratitude to workers. This day also includes giving thanks for agricultural products.

In addition to these holidays, there are also Substitute Holidays (when a national holiday falls on a Sunday, the following day is a vacation) and National Holidays (when a national holiday falls in between two consecutive holidays).Japanese national holidays are important for understanding the culture and history of the society, and each has a deep meaning. It is difficult to say whether Japan has more national holidays than other countries, as it depends on the culture, history, and legal system of each country, but in general, it can often be said that Japan has slightly more holidays.

Comparison with Number of Japanese National Holidays

There are approximately 16 to 17 national holidays in Japan per year (the number may vary from year to year). Many of the holidays have historical, cultural, or seasonal significance, and many more follow from year to year. Comparison with the number of national holidays in other countries

U.S.A.

Holidays in the U.S. are often fewer than in Japan, with about 10 federally observed holidays (e.g., New Year’s Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day, etc.). However, some states have their own national holidays, but overall they are fewer than in Japan.

United Kingdom

The number of public holidays in the United Kingdom also differs between England and Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, but generally there are around 10 days of public holidays. In particular, many public holidays in the United Kingdom are called Bank Holidays.

France

France has about 11 to 13 public holidays per year. French holidays are also based on historical events and religious observances, for example, the anniversary of the French Revolution and the Day of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin.

Germany

There are many public holidays in Germany, but the number of days celebrated may vary by region. Overall, there are 10-13 national holidays. Germany has holidays based on national and religious reasons, such as “Ascension Day” and “German Unity Day.

China

China has several national holidays during the year, the most important of which are “Spring Festival” (Chinese New Year) and “National Day. Many companies take a long vacation during the Spring Festival, but the number of regular holidays may be fewer than in Japan.

Conclusion

Although Japan is classified as having a relatively large number of national holidays, it is characterized by a particularly large number of consecutive holidays. The many consecutive vacations allow people to enjoy long vacations (Golden Week, Obon, year-end and New Year holidays), which is another characteristic of Japanese culture.