National Holidays in February 2022 in Japan!

Do you know what are the holidays in February in Japan and how they celebrates them?

Let`s talk about the holidays in Japan and the reason why they are celebrating them. Also, get familiarized with how to say it in Japanese as shown in the picture below to get to know Japan`s culture and understand why they are celebrating them.

1. February 11^th – Friday

February 11^th – National Foundation Day in Japan like Independence Day in the United States, Australia Day in Australia, Independence Day in the Philippines, or the “Day of Freedom”.

History: National Foundation Day is commemorated in 660 B.C. with the enthronement of the first emperor, Emperor Jinmu, and the founding of Japan. The day serves as a reminder to the Japanese people of their national origins.

How Japanese People celebrates National Foundation Day:

1. Take part in the National Foundation Day parade
2. Visit the Kashihara Shrine
3. Participate in Kigen-sai (To remember and celebrate the founding of Japan)

How to Celebrate National Foundation Day in Japan (theculturetrip.com)

2. February 23^rd – Wednesday

February 23^rd marks the emperor`s birthday in Japan and a national public holiday in the Japanese calendar.

The Japanese Emperor’s birthday celebration is dated back to the ancient times of Japan. It was to honor the emperor as a person and the imperial ruler. As per the constitution of Japan in Article 1: The Emperor shall be the symbol of the State and of the unity of the People, deriving his position from the will of the people with whom resides sovereign power.

How Japanese People celebrates the emperor`s birthday:

• Hang the national flag of Japan on their homes.
• Visits the Imperial palace with their miniature flags
• Writing letters to the Japanese Emperor. Personal letters from the Japanese people have directly impacted by the emperor’s actions.