The present observation of Greenery Day (みどりの日, Midori no Hi) as a public holiday in Japan stems from the celebration of the birthday of the Emperor Shōwa (Hirohito, who lived from 1901 to 1989) on April 29 every year during the Shōwa era (1926 - 1989). In 1989, following the ascension of the Emperor Akihito to the Chrysanthemum Throne, the name of the holiday was changed from "Birthday of the Emperor" to "Greenery Day".[1] Officially, as its name suggests, it is a day to commune with nature and to be thankful for blessings. The day was renamed to "Greenery Day" to acknowledge the controversial wartime emperor's love for plants without directly mentioning his name.[2] However, in practice it is seen as just another day that expands the Japanese Golden Week vacation.

Greenery Day
Official nameみどりの日 (Midori no Hi)
Observed byJapan
TypePublic
Significanceto commune with nature and to be thankful for blessings.
DateMay 4
Next time4 May 2025 (2025-05-04)
FrequencyAnnual
Related toGolden Week (Japan), World Environment Day
A bus decorated with two flags in celeberation of Greenery Day, 2024

In 2007, Greenery Day moved to May 4, and April 29 was changed to Shōwa Day in accordance with a 2005 revision of the law pertaining to public holidays. The Shōwa Emperor reigned for 62 years and 2 weeks. On May 3, 1947, he became a symbol of Japan by the new constitution of the country.

Years April 29 May 4
before 1988 The Emperor's Birthday Non-holiday
1988 The Emperor's Birthday National day of rest
1989–2006 Greenery Day National day of rest
2007– Shōwa Day Greenery Day

See also

edit

References

edit
  1. ^ "Golden Week". Japan-guide.com. 2009-05-13. Retrieved 2010-02-05.
  2. ^ "'Japan names day after Hirohito". BBC News. 2005-05-13. Retrieved 2012-12-10.