Showa no Hi marks the first day of Golden week at the end of April.

It was originally celebrated as the birthday of emperor Hirohito, the reigning emperor from 1926 to 1989. The purpose of the holiday was to reflect on his life, as well as the rebuilding of Japan after WW2.

After his death is was “Greenery Day” and is the first day of Japan’s Golden Week, which is one of the longest holidays for Japanese people. There are 4 national holidays (Beginning with Showa Day, then Constitution Day, Greenery Day and Children’s Day), with the combination of the weekend’s it is a celebrated time to go on Holidays. In Japan we have less holidays that those that live in western countries so we prepare in advance. Naturally it is one of the busiest time to travel within Japan and overseas. Even for those who do not travel far, it is a time to enjoy the countryside and Spring.