National Foundation Day of Japan: February 11th
National Foundation Day is observed as a public holiday in Japan
Every year during the 11th of February, Japan observes the anniversary of their National Foundation Day. It is in this day that they honor Japan’s founder and first emperor Jimmu, a successor of the Sun Goddess.
History of National Foundation Day of Japan
It was believed that the National Foundation Day of Japan was based on the New Year festivity in which the calendar’s date relies on the moon phase and the solar year. The Japanese believes that Emperor Jimmu’s power and authority to become ruler of the empire was designated on the first day of the month. This significant moment of appointing Jimmu as emperor was declared by the people as a holiday and was named Kigen-setsu or the Empire Day.
And before 1872, the celebration of the Empire Day was assigned to a specific date (11th of February) listed according to the chronicles of Japan called Nihon Shoki (a collection compilation of Japan’s historical background) in reference to the solar calendar. During the Meiji period, the emperor acknowledged it as a national holiday and changed its name to National Foundation Day.
However after the World War II, the celebration of February 11th as a national holiday was eradicated due to some uncertain reasons. On 1966, because of the efforts of the people and their grief for the passing of the memorial, the National Foundation Day was re-established as a national holiday.
National Foundation Day of Japan Traditions, Customs and Activities
The celebration of the tradition remains strong and extravagant to date. Every year, the people of Japan celebrate their National Foundation Day with the traditional flag festival and parades. This is observed all over Japan and is considered as one of the four main holidays of the country.
One of the highlights of the event is the float parade in the compound of Meiji shrine where people carry a miniature temple with their national flag, all decorated with ornaments as they carry it on their shoulders.
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