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(こどもの日 / 端午の節句) Children’s Day
May 5th is Children’s Day, one of Japan’s national holidays. Originally known as 端午の節句(Tango no Sekku) (Boys’ Festival), it’s a day to celebrate and wish for the healthy growth and happiness of boys. (In contrast, Girls’ Festival is celebrated on March 3rd.) On this day, families enjoy traditional customs while thinking about their children’s well-being. Around this…
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Why Japan’s School Year Starts in Spring
In Japan, both the academic and fiscal years begin in April. Graduation ceremonies are held in March, and in early April, you may have noticed children and their parents attending entrance ceremonies for new schools. You might have also seen school gates decorated with flowers and banners reading “卒業式 (Graduation Ceremony)” or “入学式(Entrance Ceremony).” This…
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ひな祭り(Hinamatsuri)
Hinamatsuri is a festival held every year on March 3rd to celebrate and wish for the growth and happiness of girls. (Boys’ Day is on May 5th!) During Hinamatsuri, families who has girls display Hina dolls. Traditional sets can be as large as seven tiers, reaching up to 150cm(5 feet) in height. However, due to…
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Valentine’s Day in Japan
February 14th is Valentine’s Day. There are various theories about its origins, but in Japan, Valentine’s Day has developed into a unique tradition. Right now, you’ve probably noticed that chocolate is prominently displayed everywhere. In Japan, Valentine’s Day is a day when women give chocolate to men they have romantic feelings for. Most of the…
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節分 (Setsubun )
In Japan, the day before “立春(Risshun)” (the beginning of spring) is called “Setsubun.” Since “Risshun” usually falls around February 4th, so February 3rd is typically the day for Setsubun. However, in 2025, something quite rare will happen—Risshun will fall on February 3rd, which means Setsubun will be celebrated on February 2nd instead. Traditionally, according to…
