The New Year holiday in Japan is the most important
celebration of the year. Just as Christmas in North
America is a considered a family holiday, the New Year
in Japan is a time for relatives to get together.
On New
Year's Day, families also visit shrines to make wishes for
the upcoming year.
Seijin-no-hi - Coming of Age Day ----------- Second Monday of January
On this day each year, this right of passage is celebrated throughout Japan
by all those turning 20. These young adults have reached the age of
majority and are now legal drinking, smoking and voting age. Each city
celebrates this milestone with its own unique ceremony.
Setsubun - Seasonal Division ----------- February 3
'Setsubun' once referred to "the separation of seasons",
but is now celebrated on February 3rd (or 4th), the day
before spring on the Chinese Lunar Calendar. However,
the night before each change in season , for example,
'risshun' (spring), 'rikka' (summer), 'risshu' (fall) and 'ritto'
(winter), are all still referred to as 'setsubun'. In Japan, people look forward to
'setsubun' as it signals the end of winter. Also called 'risshun shogatsu',
meaning Spring New Year, people celebrate this fun event by taking part in
'mamemaki' at homes, temples and shrines.
'Mamemaki' is a tradition where
participants throw 'fuku-mame' (roasted beans) to keep out 'oni' (evil), all the
while calling for good 'fuku' (fortune). Commonly, a 'toshi-otoko', someone
with the current year's animal sign (Chinese zodiac) throws the beans while
yelling, 'oni wa soto, fuku wa uchi' (Devils out, happiness in!!!) At the same
time, another family member will stand outside,
wearing a scary mask and posing as the 'oni'.
Afterwards, families ask for good health and fortune in
the coming year by eating the number of beans that
correspond to one's age.
Kenkoku Kinenbi - National Foundation Day ----------- February 11
Also known as Japanese Foundation Day, this holiday signifies the day when Japan's first emperor, Jimmu, inherited the throne.
Hina-matsuri - Girl's Festival ----------- March 3
Every March 3rd in Japan, 'Hina-matsuri' or 'Momo no
sekku' (Peach Blossom Festival) celebrates young
daughters, wishing them happy and successful lives.
This event goes back to Chinese purification rituals
when dolls bestowed with the body's impurities or
personal misfortune were cast into rivers or seas in an attempt to free
young girls from evil spirits. Once in Japan, this custom became
associated with playing with dolls and was celebrated as 'Hina-matsuri'
from the Edo Period (1603 -1867). Today, most families
with daughters proudly display a gorgeous set of
Hina-dolls (Emperor, Empress and attendants).
These
dolls are outfitted in the most beautiful ceremonial
clothing - the royal couple wears a 'juni-hitoe' (twelve
layered robe) of the Heian Period (795-1185).
On this day special treats are placed in front of the dolls as an offering,
along with 'shirozake' (white sake). These snacks include 'hina arare'
(colorful popped rice) and 'hishimochi' (pink, green and white rice cakes).
There is a superstition that the dolls must be put away right after the
celebration, or the family's girls will marry late.
Shunbun-no-hi - Vernal Eqinox Day ----------- March 21
Day and night become equal length on this day, and Autumnal Equinox
Day (Shubun-no-hi). This event is also called 'Higan'. Japanese people take
this day to offer respect to their ancestors by cleaning tombstones, as well
as bringing fresh flowers and incense.
Showa-no-hi - The former Emperor's birthday ----------- April 29
This day marks the start of Golden Week and celebrates the birthday of
Emperor "Showa". Even after he passed away, it was decided that this day
would remain as a national holiday commemorating the late Emperor.
Golden Week
'Golden Week' is a term coined for Japan's most eagerly
anticipated holiday period that begins near the end of
April and lasts until about May 5th. This golden period
gets its name because so many national holidays occur
during this time - April 29th is 'Showa-no-hi', the former
Emperor Showa's (1901 -1989) birthday, May 3rd marks 'Kenpo-kinenbi'
(Constitution Day) when Japan's new national constitution was proclaimed
in 1947, 'Midori-no-hi' on May 4th means 'greenery day' when the Japanese
people display their love of nature, and finally, 'Kodomo-no-hi' (Children's
Day) on May 5th celebrates families' children, with
colourful carp windsocks hung outside for the boys in
the family. On years when two weekends occur
advantageously within this calendar period, the
Japanese working population takes extended
vacations, often traveling to foreign destinations.
Kenpo-kinenbi - Constitution Day ----------- May 3
This day commemorates the declaration of the new Japanese Constitution,
which was put into effect after WWII on May 3rd, 1947. One of the biggest
changes from the former "Meiji Constitution" is that the new Constitution
prohibits Japan from forming a military or participating in any war.
Midori-no-hi - Green Day ----------- May 4
This special day during Golden Week is dedicated to
appreciating and enjoying nature, as well to count
one's blessings. In addition to a variety of nature-loving
events held throughout Japan, admission to National
Parks is free on this day.
Kodomo-no-hi - Children's Day ----------- May 5
This holiday is also referred to as "Boy's Day". Parents
hang carp streamers from a high pole and display
warrior dolls to ensure their sons' healthy and
successful future. The carp is considered a symbol of
strength and power.
Tango-no-Sekku ----------- May 5
'Tango-no-Sekku' is celebrated on May 5th. Although
called 'Children's Day', it actually celebrates boys' good
health and future growth. 'Hina-Matsuri' (Doll Festival)
on March 3rd is exclusive to young girls. 'Koinobori',
brightly coloured windsocks shaped like carp, are
flown outside homes with boys. According to a Chinese tale, the 'Koi' or
carp fish, swim bravely up a waterfall to change into dragons. As a result,
they came to symbolize strength and determination. Traditionally,
'koinobori' are given to newborn make heirs by their grandmother. In
addition, 'musha-kazari' (warrior dolls) and miniature samurai armor and
weaponry are put on display in the family home. Families gather together
on this day to sample different 'kashiwamochi' (special rice cakes wrapped
in oak leaves and filled with bean paste) and 'chimaki' (a chewy sweet made
from rice and wrapped in bamboo leaves).
Umi-no-hi - Marine Day ----------- Third Monday of July
This day celebrates both the ocean and the historic return of Emperor Meiji
from his sea voyage to Tohoku.
Tanabata ----------- July 7
'Tango-no-Sekku' is celebrated on May 5th. Although
The 'Tanabata' Festival on July 7th is perhaps one of the
most romantic festivals in the world. The Star Festival
(Tanabata) recounts the ancient Chinese legend about
the romance of 'Orihime', the Weaving Princess, and
'Hikoboshi', the Shepherd. Tragically, their love
interfered with their duties, angering Orihime's father, 'Tenkou' (The Sky
King). The couple was banished to opposite sides of the Milky Way;
however, the king's affection for his daughter allowed the heart-broken
couple one last rendez-vous. For most of Japan this celestial event occurs
on July 7th when the stars Vega and Altair are in nearest conjunction,
although in some areas it's according to the Lunar Year calendar. The two
most popular Tanabata Festivals are in Hiratsuka, Kanawaga Prefecture on
July 7th and Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture on August 7th. A sweet, romantic
Tanabata custom involves participants writing their heart's desire on
'Tanzaku' (coloured paper streamers) and hanging it on a bamboo tree.
'Obon' is a Japanese national holiday in mid-
August that honors the deceased spirits of a
family's ancestors. It's considered a vital part of
family life and tradition and as such Japanese
family members, no matter how far dispersed
individuals may be, make
great efforts to gather at the
family home. Part of the
reunion is to spend affectionate
moments with living family
members and part to spend
time to spruce up graves and
honor the memory of
those who have passed
on. On August 13,
lanterns are lit in front
of family homes to
guide the souls of the
ancestors where they are welcomed home
with fruit and assorted foods set on a Buddhist
altar.
'Bon Odori' is a traditional dance to
express gratitude at the temporary release
from the grave for the ancestral souls. The
celebrations end in a touching and poetic
launch of illuminated lanterns upon rivers and
streams to guide the spirits back to their
underworld there to await next year's 'Obon'.
Keiro-no-hi - Respect for the Aged Day ----------- Third Monday of September
On this day, people show respect for the elderly and celebrate their
longevity.
Shubun-no-hi - Autumnal Equinox Day ----------- September 23 in 2010
This is another Equinox Day, like 'Shunbun no hi' (Spring
Equinox Day), when the length of day and night
becomes the same. This day is also referred to as
"Higan". As in spring, people clean tombstones, bring
new flowers and incense in an effort to pay respect to
their ancestors.
Taiiku-no-hi - Sports Day ----------- Second Monday of October
On this day, the Tokyo Olympic Games opened in 1964. To commemorate
these Olympic Games, many cities, towns and villages hold athletic festivals
and other sports events on this day.
Jugoya
'Jugoya' is only one name for the mid-autumn full moon; it is also called
'Otsukimi' (moon viewing) and 'Chushu no meigetsu' meaning 'harvest
moon' (as in North America). This celebration occurs in September or on
August 15th, in accordance with the Lunar Calendar, when the clear sky is
at its best for moon gazing. This event originated in
China and came to Japan during the Heian Period.
Soon afterwards, it became popular with court society.
Courtiers were influenced by the night sky and
composed elegant 'Haiku' or 'Tanka' poems while
'Gagaku' (ceremonial court music) provided mood
music. Today's activities are much less formal, with people displaying
pampas grass and making offerings of tasty 'Tsukimi dango' (dumplings) to
the lunar goddess.
This day was once a national holiday in celebration of Emperor Meiji's
birthday. Today, the holiday promotes culture, and the love of freedom and
peace. Each year, the government announces certain people who have
contributed to the advancement of Japanese culture, and some are
awarded a "Cultural Medal" by the Emperor.
Shichi-Go-San ----------- November 15
In English, 'Shichi-Go-San' literally means
'Seven-Five-Three'. This celebration is dedicated to
little boys aged three and five, and little girls aged three
and seven. In medieval times, boys had their first hair
cut at age three and were allowed to wear a stunning 'hakama'(loose fitting
pants) for the first time when they turned five years old. For girls, age seven
was when they could use an 'obi', a wide belt worn with kimonos. These
rites of passage began with the nobility, but eventually came to include all
Japanese. Today, parents accompany their children, often dressed up in
elaborate kimono and 'hakama', to a Shinto shrine where they will pray for
blessings on their children. Children enjoy eating 'Chitoseame'(Thousand
year candy), a long thin candy that comes in a bag with a crane and turtle -
all symbols of longevity and good health.
Kinro kansha-no-hi - Labour Thanksgiving Day ----------- November 23
Established in 1948, this day gives respect to labour, celebrates production
and expresses thanks to working people.
Tenno-tanjobi - Emperor's Birthday ----------- December 23
On this day, many people visit the Imperial Palace in Tokyo to celebrate the
current Emperor's birthday, wishing him continued good health and a long
life. The Emperor and the Imperial family appear on the palace's balcony to
greet their guests.
Ohmisoka - New Year's Eve ----------- December 31
'Ohmisoka', or New Year's Eve in English, is thought to
be a good time for 'Ohsoji' (cleaning house). This is a
time to clean up one's home, especially in order to
remove any lingering negative energy. Families also
prepare 'Kado-matsu' (Gate Pine) ornaments and
'Kagamimochi', round rice cakes, to festively decorate the home. The
family mother lovingly prepares a special New Year's menu called 'Osechi
ryori'. 'Toshikoshi-Soba' (a special buckwheat noodle to celebrate the
coming year) is made in long strands and eaten before midnight to
ensure the family's good fortune will last as long as a healthy noodle. It is
customary for Japanese to stay up all night to greet the dawn of the new
year. They will also visit the temple to hear 'Joya no kane' meaning '108
strokes of the temple bell at midnight'. Buddhists believe that 108 'Bonno'
represents the number of unnecessary human desires and one is cast off
with each ring of the bell.
Japanese National Holidays/Traditional Events
National Holidays 
Annual Traditional Events
The New Year holiday in Japan is the most important
celebration of the year. Just as Christmas in North
America is a considered a family holiday, the New Year
in Japan is a time for relatives to get together.
On New
Year's Day, families also visit shrines to make wishes for
the upcoming year.
On this day each year, this right of passage is celebrated throughout Japan
by all those turning 20. These young adults have reached the age of
majority and are now legal drinking, smoking and voting age. Each city
celebrates this milestone with its own unique ceremony.
'Setsubun' once referred to "the separation of seasons",
but is now celebrated on February 3rd (or 4th), the day
before spring on the Chinese Lunar Calendar. However,
the night before each change in season , for example,
'risshun' (spring), 'rikka' (summer), 'risshu' (fall) and 'ritto'
(winter), are all still referred to as 'setsubun'. In Japan, people look forward to
'setsubun' as it signals the end of winter. Also called 'risshun shogatsu',
meaning Spring New Year, people celebrate this fun event by taking part in
'mamemaki' at homes, temples and shrines.
'Mamemaki' is a tradition where
participants throw 'fuku-mame' (roasted beans) to keep out 'oni' (evil), all the
while calling for good 'fuku' (fortune). Commonly, a 'toshi-otoko', someone
with the current year's animal sign (Chinese zodiac) throws the beans while
yelling, 'oni wa soto, fuku wa uchi' (Devils out, happiness in!!!) At the same
time, another family member will stand outside,
wearing a scary mask and posing as the 'oni'.
Afterwards, families ask for good health and fortune in
the coming year by eating the number of beans that
correspond to one's age. 
Every March 3rd in Japan, 'Hina-matsuri' or 'Momo no
sekku' (Peach Blossom Festival) celebrates young
daughters, wishing them happy and successful lives.
This event goes back to Chinese purification rituals
when dolls bestowed with the body's impurities or
personal misfortune were cast into rivers or seas in an attempt to free
young girls from evil spirits. Once in Japan, this custom became
associated with playing with dolls and was celebrated as 'Hina-matsuri'
from the Edo Period (1603 -1867). Today, most families
with daughters proudly display a gorgeous set of
Hina-dolls (Emperor, Empress and attendants).
These
dolls are outfitted in the most beautiful ceremonial
clothing - the royal couple wears a 'juni-hitoe' (twelve
layered robe) of the Heian Period (795-1185).
On this day special treats are placed in front of the dolls as an offering,
along with 'shirozake' (white sake). These snacks include 'hina arare'
(colorful popped rice) and 'hishimochi' (pink, green and white rice cakes).
There is a superstition that the dolls must be put away right after the
celebration, or the family's girls will marry late.
'Golden Week' is a term coined for Japan's most eagerly
anticipated holiday period that begins near the end of
April and lasts until about May 5th. This golden period
gets its name because so many national holidays occur
during this time - April 29th is 'Showa-no-hi', the former
Emperor Showa's (1901 -1989) birthday, May 3rd marks 'Kenpo-kinenbi'
(Constitution Day) when Japan's new national constitution was proclaimed
in 1947, 'Midori-no-hi' on May 4th means 'greenery day' when the Japanese
people display their love of nature, and finally, 'Kodomo-no-hi' (Children's
Day) on May 5th celebrates families' children, with
colourful carp windsocks hung outside for the boys in
the family. On years when two weekends occur
advantageously within this calendar period, the
Japanese working population takes extended
vacations, often traveling to foreign destinations.
This holiday is also referred to as "Boy's Day". Parents
hang carp streamers from a high pole and display
warrior dolls to ensure their sons' healthy and
successful future. The carp is considered a symbol of
strength and power.
'Tango-no-Sekku' is celebrated on May 5th. Although
called 'Children's Day', it actually celebrates boys' good
health and future growth. 'Hina-Matsuri' (Doll Festival)
on March 3rd is exclusive to young girls. 'Koinobori',
brightly coloured windsocks shaped like carp, are
flown outside homes with boys. According to a Chinese tale, the 'Koi' or
carp fish, swim bravely up a waterfall to change into dragons. As a result,
they came to symbolize strength and determination. Traditionally,
'koinobori' are given to newborn make heirs by their grandmother. In
addition, 'musha-kazari' (warrior dolls) and miniature samurai armor and
weaponry are put on display in the family home. Families gather together
on this day to sample different 'kashiwamochi' (special rice cakes wrapped
in oak leaves and filled with bean paste) and 'chimaki' (a chewy sweet made
from rice and wrapped in bamboo leaves). 
'Tango-no-Sekku' is celebrated on May 5th. Although
The 'Tanabata' Festival on July 7th is perhaps one of the
most romantic festivals in the world. The Star Festival
(Tanabata) recounts the ancient Chinese legend about
the romance of 'Orihime', the Weaving Princess, and
'Hikoboshi', the Shepherd. Tragically, their love
interfered with their duties, angering Orihime's father, 'Tenkou' (The Sky
King). The couple was banished to opposite sides of the Milky Way;
however, the king's affection for his daughter allowed the heart-broken
couple one last rendez-vous. For most of Japan this celestial event occurs
on July 7th when the stars Vega and Altair are in nearest conjunction,
although in some areas it's according to the Lunar Year calendar. The two
most popular Tanabata Festivals are in Hiratsuka, Kanawaga Prefecture on
July 7th and Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture on August 7th. A sweet, romantic
Tanabata custom involves participants writing their heart's desire on
'Tanzaku' (coloured paper streamers) and hanging it on a bamboo tree.
'Obon' is a Japanese national holiday in mid-
August that honors the deceased spirits of a
family's ancestors. It's considered a vital part of
family life and tradition and as such Japanese
family members, no matter how far dispersed
individuals may be, make
great efforts to gather at the
family home. Part of the
reunion is to spend affectionate
moments with living family
members and part to spend
time to spruce up graves and
honor the memory of
those who have passed
on. On August 13,
lanterns are lit in front
of family homes to
guide the souls of the
ancestors where they are welcomed home
with fruit and assorted foods set on a Buddhist
altar.
'Bon Odori' is a traditional dance to
express gratitude at the temporary release
from the grave for the ancestral souls. The
celebrations end in a touching and poetic
launch of illuminated lanterns upon rivers and
streams to guide the spirits back to their
underworld there to await next year's 'Obon'.
This is another Equinox Day, like 'Shunbun no hi' (Spring
Equinox Day), when the length of day and night
becomes the same. This day is also referred to as
"Higan". As in spring, people clean tombstones, bring
new flowers and incense in an effort to pay respect to
their ancestors.
'Jugoya' is only one name for the mid-autumn full moon; it is also called
'Otsukimi' (moon viewing) and 'Chushu no meigetsu' meaning 'harvest
moon' (as in North America). This celebration occurs in September or on
August 15th, in accordance with the Lunar Calendar, when the clear sky is
at its best for moon gazing. This event originated in
China and came to Japan during the Heian Period.
Soon afterwards, it became popular with court society.
Courtiers were influenced by the night sky and
composed elegant 'Haiku' or 'Tanka' poems while
'Gagaku' (ceremonial court music) provided mood
music. Today's activities are much less formal, with people displaying
pampas grass and making offerings of tasty 'Tsukimi dango' (dumplings) to
the lunar goddess. 
In English, 'Shichi-Go-San' literally means
'Seven-Five-Three'. This celebration is dedicated to
little boys aged three and five, and little girls aged three
and seven. In medieval times, boys had their first hair
cut at age three and were allowed to wear a stunning 'hakama'(loose fitting
pants) for the first time when they turned five years old. For girls, age seven
was when they could use an 'obi', a wide belt worn with kimonos. These
rites of passage began with the nobility, but eventually came to include all
Japanese. Today, parents accompany their children, often dressed up in
elaborate kimono and 'hakama', to a Shinto shrine where they will pray for
blessings on their children. Children enjoy eating 'Chitoseame'(Thousand
year candy), a long thin candy that comes in a bag with a crane and turtle -
all symbols of longevity and good health. 
'Ohmisoka', or New Year's Eve in English, is thought to
be a good time for 'Ohsoji' (cleaning house). This is a
time to clean up one's home, especially in order to
remove any lingering negative energy. Families also
prepare 'Kado-matsu' (Gate Pine) ornaments and
'Kagamimochi', round rice cakes, to festively decorate the home. The
family mother lovingly prepares a special New Year's menu called 'Osechi
ryori'. 'Toshikoshi-Soba' (a special buckwheat noodle to celebrate the
coming year) is made in long strands and eaten before midnight to
ensure the family's good fortune will last as long as a healthy noodle. It is
customary for Japanese to stay up all night to greet the dawn of the new
year. 
They will also visit the temple to hear 'Joya no kane' meaning '108
strokes of the temple bell at midnight'. Buddhists believe that 108 'Bonno'
represents the number of unnecessary human desires and one is cast off
with each ring of the bell.
