What holidays do they calabrate in Japan?

Japan celebrates a variety of holidays throughout the year, including both traditional Japanese holidays and modern national holidays. Here are some of the major holidays observed in Japan:

  1. January 1: New Year's Day (Ganjitsu): This is one of the most important holidays in Japan and is marked by family gatherings, visits to shrines and temples, and the exchange of New Year's greetings.
  2. January 15: Coming-of-Age Day (Seijin no Hi): This national holiday celebrates young adults who have reached the age of 20, granting them full legal rights and responsibilities.
  3. February 3: Setsubun: This traditional festival marks the beginning of spring. People throw roasted soybeans out of their houses to ward off evil spirits and invite good fortune.
  4. February 11: National Foundation Day (Kenkoku Kinen no Hi): This national holiday commemorates the legendary foundation of Japan by Emperor Jimmu in 660 BC.
  5. March 3: Girl's Day (Hina Matsuri): This festival celebrates young girls and their future happiness. Families display sets of ornamental dolls representing the Imperial court and pray for their daughters' well-being.
  6. March 21: Spring Equinox Day (Shunbun no Hi): This national holiday marks the beginning of spring and is a time for visiting graves and honoring ancestors.
  7. April 29: Showa Day: This national holiday commemorates the birthday of Emperor Showa (Hirohito), who reigned from 1926 to 1989.
  8. May 3: Constitution Day (Kenpo Kinenbi): This national holiday celebrates the 1947 enactment of Japan's post-war Constitution.
  9. May 5: Children's Day (Kodomo no Hi): This national holiday honors children's happiness and personality. Families fly carp-shaped streamers (koinobori) to represent strength and perseverance.
  10. July 7: Star Festival (Tanabata): This traditional festival celebrates the meeting of the deities Orihime and Hikoboshi, represented by the stars Vega and Altair. People write wishes on colorful strips of paper and hang them on bamboo branches.
  11. September 15: Respect-for-the-Aged Day (Keiro no Hi): This national holiday honors the elderly and celebrates the wisdom and contributions of older people to society.
  12. September 23: Autumn Equinox Day (Shuubun no Hi): This national holiday marks the beginning of fall and is a time for visiting graves and paying respects to ancestors.
  13. October 10: Sports Day (Taiiku no Hi): This national holiday promotes sports and physical activity and is often marked by athletic events and competitions.
  14. November 3: Culture Day (Bunka no Hi): This national holiday celebrates the arts and culture of Japan, including literature, music, and the fine arts.
  15. November 23: Labor Thanksgiving Day (Kinro Kansha no Hi): This national holiday honors the contributions of workers and emphasizes the importance of labor in society.

In addition to these major holidays, Japan also observes several other traditional festivals and celebrations throughout the year, such as the cherry blossom viewing (hanami) in spring, the summer fireworks displays (hanabi), and the winter snow festivals (yukimatsuri).

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