What types of holidays do Japanese people celebrate?

National Holidays:

* New Year's Day (Ganjitsu): January 1st marks the start of a new year in Japan, and it is celebrated with family gatherings and visits to shrines and temples. People often exchange gifts and eat traditional New Year's foods.

* Coming-of-Age Day (Seijin no Hi): Held on the second Monday of January, this day is a celebration for those who have turned 20 years old. Young adults gather to attend ceremonies where they are recognized as full-fledged members of society.

* National Foundation Day (Kenkoku Kinenbi): February 11th commemorates the foundation of Japan in 660 BC by Emperor Jimmu, according to traditional mythology.

* Spring Equinox Day (Shunbun no Hi): Around March 20th or 21st, this day celebrates the arrival of spring, and it is a time to appreciate nature and visit family gravesites.

* Showa Day (Showa no Hi): April 29th marks the birthday of Emperor Showa, who reigned from 1926 to 1989. It is a time to reflect on the Showa era and Japan's post-war reconstruction.

* Constitution Memorial Day (Kenpo Kinenbi): May 3rd commemorates the promulgation of the Japanese constitution in 1947.

* Greenery Day (Midori no Hi): May 4th is a day dedicated to appreciating the beauty of nature and promoting the importance of environmental conservation.

* Children's Day (Kodomo no Hi): May 5th celebrates children and their happiness. Families display dolls and carp-shaped streamers to represent their wishes for children's health and success.

* Marine Day (Umi no Hi): Previously called "Sports Day" (Taiiku no Hi), this day on the third Monday of July is now dedicated to appreciating the ocean, promoting marine sports, and raising awareness about the importance of marine conservation.

* Mountain Day (Yama no Hi): August 11th is a day set aside to appreciate the beauty of the mountains, promote mountaineering, and encourage people to enjoy nature.

* Respect-for-the-Aged Day (Keiro no Hi): The third Monday in September is a day to honor the wisdom, experience, and contributions of senior citizens in Japanese society.

* Autumn Equinox Day (Shubun no Hi): Around September 22nd or 23rd, this day celebrates the arrival of autumn and is a time to visit family gravesites and appreciate nature.

* Health and Sports Day (Taiiku no Hi): The second Monday of October is dedicated to promoting physical activity, sports participation, and overall health and wellness.

* Culture Day (Bunka no Hi): November 3rd is a day set aside to appreciate and celebrate Japanese culture, art, and academic pursuits.

* Labor Thanksgiving Day (Rodo Kansha no Hi): November 23rd is a day to express gratitude for the contributions and hard work of laborers, workers, and employees in Japan.

Besides these national holidays, there are many traditional festivals, local celebrations, and religious observances that take place throughout the year in Japan.

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