Living in Japan,

nihon no shitkusaijiisu

Japanese Holidays

•New Year (January 1-3) — S/wgatsu The only official holiday is January 1. but most companies take seven to ten days off. Yoi otoshi o (“Have a good year.”) is the greeting used several days before January 1. and Akemashite omedetógozaima.su (“Congratulations on the opening of the new year.”) is used when you nieet someone for the first time after January 1.

A majority of the population on New Year's eve stays home and watches kóhaku-uta-gassen (The Red and White Song Contest), a TV show where małe and female singers are pitted against each other.

Some stay up until midnight to hear the tempie bells ring 108 limes, but ifis also tradi-tional to wake up for the first sunrise of the new year. The post office delivers New Year's postcards (nenga-jo), usually designed with that year's animal from the Chinese zodiac calendar.

•Coming-of-Age Day (2nd Monday of January) — Seijin no hi Cities often hołd gatherings in auditoriums where new adults (people who have turned 20 in the previous year or who will tum 20 by April lst) will dress up and go listen to speeches about being responsible adults. This is usually followed by wild drinking par-ties.

•National Foundation Day (February 11) — Kenkokn kinembi According to ancient history books. February 11 in 660 B.C. was when the first Japanese emperor was crowned. This day passes with little fanfarę, like an extra Saturday.

•Vernal Equinox Day (March 20 or 21) — Shumbun no hi This national holiday is the time of the year for visiting graves.

•Golden Week (April 29 to May 5)

During this week there are four national holidays. Hordes of people take the week off and travel — which means it s a good time to stay home.

- Greenery Day (April 29) — Midori no hi (Golden Week)

It used to be celebrated as the birthday of Emperor Showa (the father of the current emperor). But sińce his death. it has been continued in honor of his interest in Japafos flora.

- Constitution Memoriał Day (May 3) — Kempo kinembi (Golden Week) Day for the new constitution that was adopted after the World War II.

-    Between Day (

A recently created

-    Children’s Day

Also called Boys’ include carp-shaped' swords.

•Marinę Day (.

A very new nati< have a good time.

•Bon Festival

O bon is a Buddi an official holiday resulting in conges

•Respect-for-

Respect for the e

•Autumnal Eq

The week (ohig family graves.

•Health and S

This day in 19ć sports and health-rt

•Culture Day (

A day for prom day, schools and th

•Labor Thank

A national holid

•The Emperor

The current emp emperor changes. t

When a holiday f

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