
Japan is a country of many unique national holidays. Companies take days off, and when you are outside of Japan, it becomes a bit difficult to recognize them. You may send a business partner in Japan an urgent request, but if it is a holiday, they may not reply back in your ideal timeframe. To avoid any miscommunications, here is a list of Japanese holidays and what they resemble.
1. New Year’s Day (元日, Ganjitsu) – January 1
The most important holiday in Japan, marking the start of a New Year. People visit shrines, spend time with their family, and enjoy traditional New Year’s food.
Best time to contact: After the New Year’s week, which sometimes can go up to the 7th or even the end of the first week, depending on when the year starts.
2. Coming of Age Day (成人の日, Seijin no Hi) – The second Monday of January
A celebration of young people who reached 20, considered adulthood in Japan. Ceremonies are held in cities and towns across the country.
Best time to contact: The next Tuesday is best as people may have children growing up and joining adulthood, especially if the person you want to contact is senior.
3. National Foundation Day (建国記念の日, Kenkoku Kinen no Hi) – February 11
A holiday to celebrate the founding of Japan, traditionally believed to be on this date in 660 BC, when Emperor Jimmu ascended to the throne.
Best time to contact: People will be off, but no worries to contact as there isn’t a major celebration or ceremonial event happening.
4. Emperor’s Birthday (天皇誕生日, Tennō Tanjōbi) – February 23 (current Emperor)
This holiday celebrates the current Emperor’s birthday. The date can change depending on the reigning emperor.
Best time to contact: Same as the National Foundation Day, no large celebration or event takes place, so any contact this day should be replied shortly.
5. Vernal Equinox Day (春分の日, Shunbun no Hi) – Around March 20 or 21
A day to celebrate nature and living things, marking the spring equinox. People often visit family graves and enjoy the outdoors.
Best time to contact: No specific celebration happens this day, but as the spring starts in Japan, some people may go see the cherry blossoms in the park, making it difficult to get in touch, especially in the western areas of Japan as cherry blossoms bloom earlier compared to Tokyo.
6. Showa Day (昭和の日, Shōwa no Hi) – April 29
A day to honor the birthday of Emperor Shōwa (Hirohito), the grandfather of the current Emperor. It starts the “Golden Week” holidays.
Best time to contact: Many Japanese people take off during the whole Golden Week starting from Showa Day up to Children’s Day. Some people will even adjust paid leave from the start of the week of Showa Day, so the safest is to keep in touch before the week of April 29th. Same follows for May 3rd and May 4th.
7. Constitution Memorial Day (憲法記念日, Kenpō Kinenbi) – May 3
Celebrates the promulgation of Japan’s post-war constitution in 1947.
8. Greenery Day (みどりの日, Midori no Hi) – May 4
A day to appreciate nature and the environment. It’s sometimes marked by tree-planting and outdoor activities.
9. Children’s Day (こどもの日, Kodomo no Hi) – May 5
A day to celebrate children’s health and growth. This day is also known for celebrating boys by flying carp-shaped koinobori flags and displaying samurai helmets. The Girls’ celebration is on March 3rd, called “Momo no Sekku” (桃の節句). Children’s Day also marks the final day of Golden Week.
Best time to contact: A few days after Golden Week is ideal, as most Japanese people are coming back to work and sorting out what they’ve left from a week ago.
10. Marine Day (海の日, Umi no Hi) – The third Monday of July
A day to celebrate the ocean and maritime activities, including beaches, boat trips, and coastal tourism.
Best time to contact: Japan is surrounded by the ocean, but there isn’t a special way to celebrate this day. Some local communities nearby the beach may have events or beach clean-ups, but most people would consider this day just as another holiday on their calendar. Contact would not be missed.
11. Mountain Day (山の日, Yama no Hi) – August 11
A relatively new holiday (since 2016), it promotes awareness of mountains and nature, encouraging people to enjoy hiking and outdoor activities.
Best time to contact: As schools enter the summer holidays starting August, people may spend time with their families around this day as it is easy to take longer paid leaves with the holiday. Consider contacting the following week.
12. Obon (お盆) – August 13 to 16
This is one of Japan’s most important holiday seasons, as the purpose is to greet their ancestors, similar to the Day of the Dead in Mexico.
Best time to contact: If it is possible, avoid contacting during the Obon season, as most employees will take days off and spend time with their families. It is less likely to receive replies during this time of the year.
13. Respect for the Aged Day (敬老の日, Keirō no Hi) – The third Monday of September
A day to honor elderly people and celebrate their contributions to society. In some years, this day could align with the Autumnal Equinox Day and the weekends, making it a long holiday.
Best time to contact: Nothing major happens as for a celebration or event, but do consider to follow up after the Autumnal Equinox Day.
14. Autumnal Equinox Day (秋分の日, Shūbun no Hi) – Around September 23 or 24
Similar to Vernal Equinox Day, this day marks the arrival of autumn and is a time to honor ancestors.
Best time to contact: If the day is merged with the Respect for the Aged Day, don’t forget to follow up as people could miss your contact within the long weekend and holidays.
15. Sports Day (スポーツの日, Sports no Hi) – The second Monday of October
Originally marking the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, it’s now a day to promote physical activity and sports.
Best time to contact: Nothing major, but local communities, sport clubs, and family members may enjoy outside activities on this day. Consider your contact a few days after, as people may not exercise daily and need a day to recover.
16. Culture Day (文化の日, Bunka no Hi) – November 3
A day to promote culture, the arts, and academic pursuits. Many cultural events and exhibitions take place on this day.
Best time to contact: No ceremonies or celebration takes place that all Japanese people attend. Feel free to contact on the day if you wish.
17. Labor Thanksgiving Day (勤労感謝の日, Kinrō Kansha no Hi) – November 23
A day to give thanks for labor and production, and to celebrate workers’ rights and contributions.
Best time to contact: Most people will stay off communication from work this day. Best to reach out the day before, or day after.
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