Posted by Jess
11 February 2011

Today is another holiday in Japan - National Foundation Day.  I've been doing a little reading on the history of the day and here's what I've been able to gather.  The holiday was named in 1873 and was to be the day that the first emperor, Jimmu, was enthroned back in 670 B.C.  It was called Empire Day (Kigensetsu)  because this was the first emperor of Japan starting the country's imperial line.  The day was added to the calendar to help bring some patriotism and unity to the country after the Shogunate was defeated and the new Meiji emperor's reign started in the mid-1800's.  It has now been said that Emperor's Jimmu story of coming to power is just folklore so the holiday is based on nothing that ever actually happened, but I can think of a few other holidays like that...

It used to be a major holiday in Japan with parades and festivals, however it was abolished during WWII.  After WWII, people still wanted to celebrate their country so in 1966 the day was reinstated as National Foundation Day.  This is just a day for the Japanese to reflect on what it is to be Japanese and some carry small flags or put flags outside their houses.  However the day passes quietly, without the fireworks and fanfare of the U.S.'s Fourth of July. 

Kanpai!
Jess

Blog Update: While we were taking Ella to school this morning, it looked like parade preparations were underway - here's a few shots.  As you can see, it's a lovely day here!