Japan


Holidays & Observances in Japan
Japan is a collection of islands in eastern Asia. Its culture maintains much of its traditional Asian spirit, but has also been highly influenced by Western culture. Religion is not extremely important to the Japanese, but most that do consider themselves religious follow Shinto, Buddhism, or some combination of the two. Buddhist holidays are widely celebrated, though they are not necessarily the most important. Many secular holidays are celebrated throughout Japan with unique traditions. For instance, both the spring and fall equinoxes are observed. Christmas is also celebrated, though very few Christians reside in Japan. Streets are decorated in Christmas themes and some secular Christmas traditions are celebrated even amongst the non-religious. This is due to the Western influence on Japan.
Upcoming Popular Holidays
Country Observances
Holiday Date | Country Holiday | Common Observance | Observance Type | Religion/Belief |
---|---|---|---|---|
Spring Equinox | Public | |||
Shōwa Day | Public | |||
Constitution Memorial Day | Memorial Day | Public | ||
Greenery Day | Arbor Day / Plant a Tree Day | Public, Popular & Widely Observed | ||
Star Festival | Popular & Widely Observed | |||
Sea Day | Public | |||
Mountain Day | Public, Popular & Widely Observed | Shinto | ||
Respect for the Aged Day | Public, Popular & Widely Observed | |||
Autumn Equinox | Public, Popular & Widely Observed | |||
Christmas Eve | Christmas | Religious/Beliefs, Popular & Widely Observed | Christianity | |
Christmas | Christmas | Public, Religious/Beliefs | Christianity, Nonreligious, Free Thought, New Age, Humanism | |
New Year's Eve | New Year's | Popular & Widely Observed | ||
New Year's Day | New Year's | Public, Popular & Widely Observed | ||
Coming of Age Day | Public, Popular & Widely Observed | |||
National Foundation Day Japan | National Day | Public | ||
Valentine's Day | Valentine's Day | Popular & Widely Observed | ||
Lantern Festival | Popular & Widely Observed |