Constitution Memorial Day
Constitution Memorial Day is a national holiday observed on May 3rd every year in Japan. This holiday commemorates the enactment of the 1947 Japanese Constitution and is part of a group of holidays that make up Golden Week.
Japan (National holiday)Golden Week is known as Ōgata Renkyū in Japanese and consists of Shōwa Day on April 29th, Constitution Memorial Day on May 3rd, Greenery Day on May 4th, and Children’s Day on May 5th. Because of this cluster of holidays, some Japanese citizens use the entire week for vacations or to spend more time with friends and family members.
The History of Constitution Memorial Day in Japan
After Japan surrendered following World War II, Japan and United States General Douglas MacArthur worked together to draft a new constitution. This constitution was ratified by the House of Representatives on August 24, 1946, and by the House of Peers on October 6th.
On October 29th, it was approved by the Privy Council. On November 3, 1946, it was promulgated by Japan’s Emperor. In 1948, the Public Holiday Law in Japan officially set the date for this holiday on May 3rd.
Interesting Facts About Japan
Below are some facts about Japan that we think most people will find interesting.
- There are approximately 6,852 islands that make up Japan.
- From the 12th to the 19th centuries, the samurai were a powerful and important warrior class in Japan.
- The Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo is the largest fish market in the world.
Observing Constitution Memorial Day in Japan
Because this holiday is part of Golden Week, there are a variety of activities that take place not only on this particular day but also throughout the entire week. One of the main activities that people engage in on this day is taking a trip to the National Diet building in Tokyo. People get an opportunity to enjoy parts of the building that are usually off-limits to the general public, and many people have their pictures taken in front of it.
Japan (National holiday)
