What is the Japanese holiday calendar like?

Japan has many holidays throughout the year.
There is some kind of holiday almost every month from January to December, and people celebrate these days with great vigor.
Among the most distinctive are "Mountain Day" and "Marine Day".There are many days to give thanks to nature and cultureThat is it.
This may be because it reflects the ancient history of Japanese people living in harmony with nature and their appreciation for the changing of the seasons.
In addition, each Japanese holiday has its own meaning and story, such as "a day to spend time with family," "a day to express gratitude," or "a day to renew one's resolve."
By learning the meaning of the day rather than simply taking a "day off," you will also gain a deeper understanding of Japanese culture.
It will be very useful to know this when planning your trip and getting used to life in Japan!

[Marine Day (third Monday of July)]
Japan is an island nation surrounded by the sea.
This day is a national holiday to "express gratitude for the blessings of the sea and pray for the prosperity of Japan, a maritime nation."
It also marks the beginning of summer, and family trips to the beach and outdoor events are popular.

[Mountain Day (August 11th)]
It is a day to give thanks for the blessings of the mountains.
Many people enjoy mountain climbing and hiking, which shows the Japanese people's respect for nature.

【【And more! Unique Holidays】
'good work' (equiv. of silver star awarded to children at school)National Foundation Day (February 11th): A day to celebrate the founding of the country of Japan
'good work' (equiv. of silver star awarded to children at school)Children's Day (May 5th): A day to pray for the health and growth of children
'good work' (equiv. of silver star awarded to children at school)Respect for the Aged Day (third Monday of September): A day to respect the elderly

Why are there so many holidays?
Japanese holidays are not just days off; each one has its own meaning.
It is imbued with the desire to cherish nature, family, country, and culture.

【Trivia】
In Japan, when a national holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday becomes a substitute holiday. This is called the "Happy Monday System"!

Many of Japan's national holidays are days that emphasize connections with nature and people, and the more you learn about them, the deeper they become. It's also useful to know the national holidays when making travel plans!