However, Japan does observe several holidays and ceremonies to commemorate its war dead and veterans. These include:
- Memorial Day for the War Dead (戦没者追悼記念日, Senbotsusha Tsuito Kinenbi): Held annually on August 15, this day is a national holiday in Japan to honor those who died in the country's wars. It was first established in 1945 and is marked with ceremonies, speeches, and observances at war memorials and cemeteries across the country.
- Memorial Service for the War Dead (戦没者追悼式, Senbotsusha Tsuitoshiki): This ceremony is held annually on June 23 at the Nippon Budokan in Tokyo. It is attended by the Emperor, Prime Minister, and other high-ranking government officials, as well as families of the war dead.
- Tokyo Metropolitan War Dead Memorial Peace Ceremony (東京都戦没者追悼平和式, Tokyo-to Senbotsusha Tsuito Heiwa-shiki): This ceremony is held annually on February 23 at the Chofu Memorial Hall of Peace (調布市戦没者追悼平和会館, Chofu-shi Senbotsusha Tsuito Heiwa Kaikan) in Tokyo. It is a joint ceremony sponsored by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the Chofu City Government to honor the war dead and promote peace.
- Local War Memorial Ceremonies: Many cities, towns, and villages in Japan hold their own war memorial ceremonies to honor their local war dead. These ceremonies may include speeches, prayers, and the laying of wreaths at war memorials.
