Japanese calendar types have included several of official and unofficial systems. At present, Japan uses the Gregorian calendar and also the Japanese era name system.[1]
Japan has more than one traditional system for counting years,[2] including
Since the Meiji period, Japan has used the Western Common Era (Anno Domini) (西暦, seireki) system.[6]
In Japan today, the old Chinese calendar is rarely used. The system of counting years from the reign of Emperor Jimmu has been abandoned.[7]
The Japanese calendar has yearly holidays and traditional events. Some of these preserve ancient customs.[9]
The names and dates of some of Japan's national holidays have changed over time.
Date | English name | Official name | Romanization |
---|---|---|---|
January 1 | New Year's Day[10] | 元日 | Ganjitsu |
2nd Monday of January | Coming of Age Day[11] | 成人の日 | Seijin no hi |
February 11[12] | National Foundation Day[10] | 建国記念の日 | Kenkoku kinen no hi |
February 23 | The Emperor's Birthday[10] | 天皇誕生日 | Tennō tanjōbi |
March 3 | Girls' Day[13] | 雛祭の日 | Hinamatsuri |
March 20 or March 21 | Vernal Equinox Day[10] | 春分の日 | Shunbun no hi |
April 29 | Shōwa Day[11] | 昭和の日 | Shōwa no hi |
May 3 | Constitution Memorial Day[10] | 憲法記念日 | Kenpō kinenbi |
May 4 | Greenery Day[11] | みどり(緑)の日 | Midori no hi |
May 5 | Children's Day[10] | 子供の日 | Kodomo no hi |
3rd Monday of July | Marine Day[10] | 海の日 | Umi no hi |
3rd Monday of September | Respect for the Aged Day[10] | 敬老の日 | Keirō no hi |
September 23 or September 24[12] | Autumnal Equinox Day[10] | 秋分の日 | Shūbun no hi |
2nd Monday of October | Health-Sports Day[10] | 体育の日 | Taiiku no hi |
November 3 | Culture Day[10] | 文化の日 | Bunka no hi |
November 23[12] | Labour Thanksgiving Day[10] | 勤労感謝の日 | Kinrō kansha no hi |