Filipino Programmer | Philippines

During my first month here in Japan, I have the oppurtunity to experience one of the three busiest holiday season in Japan, besides New Year and Obon week, Golden Week is a collection of four national holidays within seven days in combination with well placed weekends.

The national holidays making up Golden Week are:

• April 29 Showa Day (Showa no hi)
• May 3 Constitution Day (Kenpo kinebi)
• May 4 Greenery Day (Midori no hi)
• May 5 Children’s Day (Kodomo no hi)

Showa Day is the birthday of the former Emperor Showa, who died on the year 1989.

Consitution Day is the celebration of the new post war constitution which was put into effect on May 3 1947

Greenery Day, Until 2006, Greenery Day used to be celebrated on April 29, the birthday of former Emperor Showa. The day is dedicated to the environment and nature, because the emperor loved plants and nature. Before being declared Greenery Day, May 4 used to be a national holiday due to a law, which declares a day, that falls between two national holidays, a national holiday.

Children’s Day, The Boy’s Festival (Tango no Sekku) is celebrated on this day. Families pray for the health and future success of their sons by hanging up carp streamers and displaying samurai dolls, both symbolizing strength, power and success in life. The Girl’s Festival, by the way, is celebrated on March 3.

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