May 4, 2018

Today, May 4, is a holiday in Japan known as Greenery Day, a day dedicated to nature and the environment. On Greenery Day, commemorative plantings of trees take place throughout the country and events celebrate the beauty and importance of nature. Until 2007, Greenery Day was celebrated on April 29, the birthday of former Emperor Hirohito, whose reign name was Showa. Hirohito was known for his love of plants and nature.

Japan’s love of gardening and plants is celebrated on the May 4 holiday of Greenery Day. This traditional Japanese house shows the great care given to natural beauty. Credit: © SuperStock

Before being designated Greenery Day, May 4 was a national holiday already, simply because it fell between two other holidays: Constitution Day (May 3) and Children’s Day (May 5). (In Japan, a day between two holidays automatically becomes a holiday.) Add Showa Day (which replaced Greenery Day on April 29), and Japan has four holidays during a seven-day period known as “Golden Week.” Many businesses are closed during Golden Week, and many people enjoy an extended time away from work.

Greenery Day was originally celebrated on the birthday of Emperor Hirohito, seen here on a white horse in 1938. Credit: © AP Photo

Japan’s current emperor, Akihito, is expected to abdicate on April 30, 2019. His son Crown Prince Naruhito will then ascend the Chrysanthemum Throne on May 1. The government may make these days national holidays as well, in which case May 2—sandwiched between holidays—would also become a national holiday. As a result, all seven days of Japan’s spring Golden Week would be holidays. In any case, the Emperor’s Birthday holiday—December 23 for Akihito—will switch to February 23, Naruhito’s birthday.

Japan currently celebrates 16 national holidays, more than many other countries observe. The United States has 10 federal holidays. Canada has 9 (with more scheduled by province), and Australia has 7 (but more are instituted by local governments).