National Holidays in Japan
Author: Emiko J.
Level: 5
Instructor: Nodira I.
Photo Credit: Surasak Saneha / 123RF Stock Photo
Article ID: 1013 [Celebration- Fall 2018]
Japan has sixteen national holidays. I would like to introduce three unique ones that are celebrated in fall.
One of the most interesting holidays is the “Respect for the age day” which is on September 18th. This holiday is to show respect for the seniors for their social contribution and to celebrate their longevity. On this day, families usually visit elderly people and have dinner together. People usually buy gifts to their grandparents. Some shops and restaurants offer good discounts for seniors.
Another interesting holiday is “Autumnal equinox day” on September 23rd. This holiday is the day when the sun reaches the autumnal equinox, it means the day and the night become relatively the same length. It is also a day to respect one's ancestors and commemorate their death. People usually go to graveyards of their past family members and bring flowers. They usually clean the graves and remember their beloved ones.
Finally, I would like to write about “Health sports day” which is on October 9th. This holiday aims to promote sports and health. It also commemorates the opening day of the Tokyo Olympics held in 1964. Different sports events are held in various places in Japan. Kindergartens, elementary schools, junior high schools, high schools hold sports day in Japan. They organize events like mini Olympic Games. This sports day depending on the weather can be celebrated in spring as well. The major athletic events are relay race, hurdle race, three-legged race, pole pulling down game, ball-toss game, mock cavalry battles, tug of war, long jump rope and group gymnastics. Students practice a lot before the day. At the sports day, families of the children come to cheer them. Mothers usually prepare lunch at the school field and they usually sit and eat together. This event is a great opportunity for students to show their sports skills. However, the sports games are challenging, and some students get frustrated if they can not cope with the competition. However, participation is more important than winning.