National Foundation Day

Where is National Foundation Day celebrated?

It is celebrated in Japan, but with very little enthusiasm from many people. Before the Second World War, National Foundation Day was known as Empire Day, after Emperor Jimmu.

It was celebrated with much vigor and patriotism. Throughout the country, at the Imperial Palace and Shinto Shrines, large parades and festivals were conducted. Empire Day was considered one of the four major holidays in the country.

But after the war, various factors led to its abolition. Even though the event was later reinstated in 1966, it failed to regain the old enthusiasm and patriotism.

Who is National Foundation Day celebrated by?

The day is celebrated by Japanese people. Every year, the national flag of Japan is raised on this day, followed by a speech by the Prime Minister of the nation.

It is a memorable day for every Japanese person as the day represents the foundation of the country. On one occasion, the Prime Minister spoke about the purpose of this event: 'recalling the founding of the nation and cultivating a mindset of the love of the nation.'

When did National Foundation Day first start?

National Foundation Day started with the establishment of the country in 660 B.C. After the Second World War, the day was removed from the list of national holidays for some reason for a few years.

During this period, a few attempts were made by the ruling party to reinstate the holiday.

The Japan Socialist Party, leading the opposition, criticized the event by describing it as 'a return to a prewar period and the prime example of reactionary conservatism'. But in 1966, National Foundation Day was finally restored, and from 1967 onwards it was observed annually.

Who started National Foundation Day?

Emperor Jimmu, a descendent of the sun goddess the Amaterasu, was the founder of National Foundation Day or the Empire Day, as it was known before. The event was abolished for a few years after the Second World War and was reinstated again in 1966 by the Japanese government.

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(Celebrate the day by participating in a parade and carrying a mikoshi to a shrine.)

History And Timeline

Foundation Day is a national holiday in Japan. The day is very old and has many controversies around it. Yet, it is observed every year by the Japanese people.

Traditions And Customs

National Foundation Day is a public holiday. It commemorates the feats of the Japanese emperor, Jimmu, and the establishment of the nation.

The day is filled with patriotic passion and pride for all the achievements of the country. There are many activities that suit the spirit of the day, like learning new things about Japan's history and appreciating its culture.

Ways To Observe Or Celebrate National Foundation Day

 If you want to celebrate this day, then participate in a National Foundation Day parade, wave flags with other patriots, and carry portable shrines. You can also visit the place where Jinmu became Emperor, Kashihara Shrine, and experience the history that is associated with the foundation of the country.

Finally, you can take part in Kigen-sai where many parades are held at the same time as thousands of spectators watch.

Facts And Stats

• 'Nohonshoki' or the Chronicles of Japan, records the enthronement of Emperor Jimmu and the foundation of Japan. It is the origin of National Foundation Day.
• This year, we will celebrate the 55th National Foundation Day.
• Before the Second World War, National Foundation Day was known as Empire Day. The name was changed because the Japanese government thought it had some negative connotations about the country's past.