Japan celebrates 14 public holidays, each of which has a day off. In addition to them, there are many more holidays: some came into the country’s culture quite recently, others are already several thousand years old.

By the way, in Japan it is not customary to congratulate people on holidays. The only reason for congratulations can be personal merit or success (graduation from school, for example) or the birth of a child. It is customary to give gifts on all “personal” holidays. Surprises are also presented on the last day of the outgoing year and in the summer on the Bon holiday.

Japanese? They are practical people, so most often they give each other useful things: towels, soap, food, exotic fruits. The gift should not be too “personal”. It is not the gift itself that will be valued more, but its beautiful packaging. Is it forbidden to unwrap gifts in the presence of the giver? this can inadvertently offend him. In addition, gifts cannot be refused.

Here is a list of some Japanese holidays:

January
January 1 is the public holiday of the New Year (Ganjitsu), one of the magnificent celebrations of the year. As a rule, they celebrate for 5 days: from December 30 to January 3. On New Year's Eve, it is customary to pray hatsu-mode (pray for happiness).

It is customary to go to bed only on the night of January 2-3. Hatsu-yume (translated as “the first dream of the year”) is considered a prophetic fortune-telling about good luck for the entire coming year. The best dreams of the night are Mount Fuji or wealth.

The Ekiden marathon relay is being held from January 2 to 3? the most important event in the sporting life of the country.

On January 7, it is customary to serve rice porridge with “7 spring herbs.” Porridge, according to popular belief, will fill the body with strength for a year.

Throughout January, the Japanese worship the Seven Gods of Fortune.

February
February 3-4? This is the Setsubun holiday (analogous to our Old New Year). On the night of February 4, children scatter beans throughout all the rooms of the house, casting spells that should scare away the oni demons. At the end of the ceremony, each child must sit on beans according to their age (7 years old? 7 beans).

February 4-5? Chinese New Year holiday, Beginning of Spring holiday.

March
March, 3rd? traditional Doll Festival, a holiday for little girls. At home, the Japanese organize small exhibitions of dolls dressed in Heian period outfits. It is believed that if you do not have time to remove the dolls at the end of the holiday, your daughters will not be able to get married for a long time.

March 14th? White Day. If on Valentine's Day only women give gifts (chocolate) to men, then on March 14 men are obliged to thank women with white chocolate.

March 20-21 in Japan? Day of spring equinox. The Japanese visit the graves of their ancestors. In southern Japan, cherry blossoms begin to bloom on this day.

April
April 8 marks Buddha's Birthday and celebrates the Flower Festival. Is a special flower tea called amatya, which has magical powers, used to write amulets and water Buddha statues? This is a tribute to the legend according to which, immediately after the birth of Buddha, nine heavenly dragons sprinkled water on the baby’s head. The abundance of flowers at the festival symbolizes the Lumbini garden, where the Enlightened One was born.

May

End of April? Is the beginning of May called “Golden Week” in Japan? this is a series of public holidays: May Day, 3rd? Constitution Day, May 4, although it does not have its own holiday, is considered a public holiday so as not to interrupt the week of celebrations; May 5 is Children's Day (previously there was a holiday only for boys).

June
Fathers' Day is celebrated on the third Sunday in June in Japan.

July

Tanabata (Star Festival) is celebrated on July 7th. According to legend, on this night the stars Shepherd and Spinner, separated by the Milky Way, met. The Japanese make wishes at night by writing them down on narrow pieces of paper and then tying them to a bamboo stem.

July 20 - Sea Day. On this day, schoolchildren go on summer vacation.

August
August 15th in Japan? Memorial Day for the victims of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. On this day in 1945, Japan surrendered.

Are there days during the middle of August to celebrate Bon? Ancestors' Day. For the spirits of ancestors visiting their old homes, welcome bonfires are lit, which at the end of the holiday are replaced by farewell fires. During the Bon holiday in Japan, it is customary to give gifts.

September
Typhoon season begins on September 1st. If the crop is not harvested by this day, it could easily die.

September 1 is also celebrated as Disaster Relief Day in honor of the Great Kanto Earthquake (1923), which killed 140,000 people and completely destroyed Tokyo.

September 23-24? On the day of the autumn equinox, as well as on the spring equinox, the Japanese visit the graves of their ancestors.

October
October 1 is declared the Day of collecting donations for the poor.

November
15th of November? traditional Shichi-go-san Festival: all three-year-old Japanese children, as well as boys aged 5 and girls aged 7, must visit Shinto shrines and pray for longevity. This is an ancient tradition that previously had a different execution:
? at the age of three, children no longer had their heads shaved;
? boys aged 5 wore hakama trousers for the first time;
? 7-year-old girls at this age tied an obi belt for the first time.

Children on this day should wear national costumes. After praying at the temple, are parents required to buy chitose ame candy for their children? longevity candy. It is usually sold together with a bag with a stork and a turtle depicted - ancient symbols of long life.

December

December 23? big public holiday. The Emperor's Birthday is celebrated on this day.

From December 25 to December 28, Japan is engaged in the traditional production of mochi rice balls (a New Year's delicacy).

Is there an Omisoka ceremony on December 31st? house cleansing ceremony. On New Year's Eve there should be long toshi-koshi noodles on the table (lit. translation: “passing from this year to that year”): life then will be as long as these noodles. In Buddhist temples, immediately after midnight, 108 bells are struck, thus leaving 108 passions in the past year and allowing people to achieve Enlightenment by abandoning them.

Japan is a country rich in holidays. Here almost every day there is some kind of special event. Holidays in Japan are accompanied by games, competitions, dancing, singing, processions, and performances.

Numerous holidays, according to their content and origin, can be divided into groups: national, state, religious, traditional.


Ancient agricultural festivals occupy a significant place in the Japanese calendar. Holidays associated with rice cultivation are the most colorful. A number of holidays of contemplation of nature gave rise to the originality of oriental aesthetics.

Many holidays are dedicated to children. Hina Matsuri is the most famous of them.

But the Japanese, who love fun, relaxation and rich feasts, could not get by with only state-legalized national holidays. They also have Matsuri. Matsuri represent various festive processions, chants, traditional dances, fireworks, etc. So every city has its own traditional holidays - matsuri.


Public holidays in Japan

Officially, there are 15 public holidays in Japan. National holidays in Japan include: New Year (January 1), Coming of Age Day (January 15), Founding Day (February 11), Vernal Equinox Day (March 21), Greenery Day (April 29), Constitution Day (May 3), Rest Day (May 4), Children's Day (May 5), Day of Honor for the Elderly (September 15), Autumnal Equinox Day (September 21), Sportsman's Day (October 10), Culture Day (November 3), Labor Day (November 23), Emperor Akihito's birthday (December 23).

In Japan, in addition to state ones, a large number of religious and traditional holidays are celebrated, and all kinds of local festivals are also held. Let's consider the most significant and vibrant holidays.


Hanami - cherry blossom festival

The main spring event in Japan is the blossoming of sakura, which the Japanese call hanami. This ancient Japanese tradition of viewing flowers dates back to the 7th century.


The Sakura Festival in Japan is not an official holiday, but for the Japanese it is very important and significant. A huge number of people visit and spend their time in parks, squares and alleys during cherry blossom days. Since the cherry blossom period is relatively short (about two weeks), it is admired both during the day and in the evening. And the evening inspection is especially popular.

The time of the first blossoms of the cherry blossoms growing in Yasukuni in the ancient Buddhist temple is considered to be the official starting point. Meteorological services immediately begin to notify how the very first pink flowers appear from the buds. The approximate time for the city of Tokyo and its environs is the end of March.

Ume (Japanese plum) is the very first to start this “procession” of flowers. Sakura begins to bloom after Uma.


Setsubun is the four special days in the Japanese calendar that separate spring, summer, autumn and winter. These days, the Japanese perform purification rituals. Spring Eve, the time when nature awakens, is the most important of the four holidays.

The Spring Festival is famous for its funny-shaped rituals. The main purpose of such rituals is to ensure prosperity for the next year and expel evil spirits. During the holiday, on the door of every house you can see a hanging sprig of osmanthus, famous for its pungent smell and thorns.


Sweet white beans are the main attributes of the holiday. Many purification rites are associated with them in Japan. First, the beans are heavily roasted over a fire, and then they are scattered throughout various rooms, especially in dark corners.


The cult of the genital organs as a symbol of offspring and fertility has existed since ancient times in many countries. Japanese Shintoism was no exception here. At the same time, the theme of the phallus in the modern era is perceived in Japan, unlike Europe, as a natural thing, devoid of any vulgarity.

Thus, throughout the country there are many temples where female and male organs are worshiped. Moreover, this procession is not hidden; on the contrary, it is carried out with the organization of mass festivals, which attract thousands of people. Kanayami is one such temple.


A fertility festival called Honen Matsuri is held annually in mid-March and is celebrated throughout the country. The Japanese (usually childless women and men) come out in procession holding wooden penises of various sizes in their hands, asking for good harvests, sexual strength and many children.

Shinto shrine maidens open mass ceremonies with the dance of Young Miko.

On this day, the Japanese drink a lot of sake, as this drink is considered a symbol of the harvest. Participants buy various souvenirs and food in the shape of phalluses.


The Kanto Matsuri Festival is one of the most vibrant and spectacular festivals in Japan. It is celebrated annually from August 4 to 7 in the northeast of the country in the city of Tohoku. This tradition originated during the Edo era (mid-18th century). Then the peasants suffered from disease and hunger. And Kanto Matsuri was that holiday when people asked for a good harvest, long life and health. Special designs were made for the holiday: many lanterns were hung on bamboo branches. These designs had their own name - Kanto. A sprouted rice sprout symbolized each Kanto.


In the 19th century, the lantern festival gained great popularity. So, processions with lanterns began to take place on the streets of the city. The culmination of the holiday was that each participant carrying Kanto tried to lift it up as high as possible. And today, a very important role is played not by how participants can raise their Kanto quickly and high, but by how they will do it.

Usually the lantern festival begins when evening falls in the city. Thousands of people come out of their homes to admire the solemn procession. Men carrying huge Kanto, to the sounds of music and screams of spectators, demonstrate extraordinary skills of dexterity and balance: they climb onto each other’s shoulders, while not letting go of the Kanto from their hands, put it on their foreheads, throw poles from their hands to their hips, and much more. The festival participants really work wonders.

The placement of the flashlights is very important for maintaining balance. Therefore, symmetry must always be maintained in the design. The lanterns depict the professions of the Kanto owner, as well as symbols of the area.

Usually about three thousand people take part in the festive procession, carrying 200 large Shiites in their hands.


One of the most ancient and important holidays in Japan is the Chrysanthemum Festival, which is celebrated in the 9th lunar month. It was the ninth lunar month in the traditional Japanese calendar that was called the month of chrysanthemums.

The chrysanthemum flower occupies a special place in the life of the Japanese. The chrysanthemum is a symbol of the Japanese imperial house. The image of this flower can be seen on the covers of Japanese foreign passports, on the attributes of politicians, on the premises of parliament, in diplomatic institutions, on coins, and on the imperial seal. This flower is also considered a symbol of longevity.


During the Chrysanthemum Festival, Japanese florists create huge dolls from living chrysanthemums. These are mainly characters from literary works, legendary heroes and real historical figures.

Also on this day, various dishes and drinks are prepared from chrysanthemums: wine, tinctures, salads, flower-shaped sweets and much more.


One of the main holidays in Japan is the Hina Matsuri or Doll Festival. It is celebrated on March 3. The exhibition lasts about a month.

Several different traditions underlie the celebration of Girls' Day. So, one of them belongs to the Hean era. On this day, in noble families, special prayers were performed by spellcasters, which were aimed at ensuring that all the misfortunes and troubles of people were transferred to paper dolls. After such rituals, paper dolls were allowed to float on the sea or river. The Japanese called these dolls Nagashi-bina.

Initially, the holiday was celebrated among the military class and at court. But in a fairly short period of time it spread among the people. And in the 18th century the holiday was recognized as national. At this time, a new custom was added, which was as follows: in those houses where the girls lived, exhibitions of richly dressed dolls were held, which depicted the customs of life in the imperial palace.


And this custom has been preserved to this day. But now these are not paper dolls, but real masterpieces of art, dressed in luxurious silk clothes and made of ceramics.

Typically, Hina dolls are not intended for everyday play. They are displayed on a special shelf in the central room of the house, and they are simply admired. Some doll sets are very expensive and can be passed down in a family from one generation to the next.

Usually a new set of dolls is bought when a girl is born into the family. The set is then supplemented with dolls donated by their relatives and friends.

As a rule, this set should include at least 15 dolls, which are dressed in multi-layered ancient clothes made of red material. Dolls depicting the empress and emperor in silk antique ceremonial attire are the most valuable and richly decorated.

There is also a belief that dolls should not be displayed for a long time, otherwise the desired hour of marriage will be delayed. Therefore, all items are packed and stored until the next exhibition. By March 3, the rooms where doll exhibitions take place are also decorated. Balls made of artificial tangerine and cherry blossoms are suspended from the ceiling. Each ball is also decorated with hanging silk ribbons.

On this day, girls dressed in elegant kimonos visit each other, give gifts, admire dolls, and treat each other to special sweets. This is how girls, in a relaxed playful way, learn the rules of good manners, the ability to take care of valuable things, concepts of character traits, and so on.

Japan has always stood out from the list of countries that are characterized by high rates of economic development. This eastern state successfully fights any crises and disasters. This happens, among other things, thanks to the hard work and diligence of its citizens. Purposefulness, ideology and responsibility are brought up in Japan from a very early age. It is no coincidence that the management systems developed in this country are recognized throughout the world as the most effective, which is why they are used as a standard in many large enterprises.

Features of employment

Immigrants who come to Japan have to become accustomed to the high demands of employers and a unique national mentality. For those who do not want to do this, the company quickly finds a replacement.

The Japanese most often take a job for life. That is, having come to the enterprise as a young man, they are on its staff until retirement. If you want to find a job in another company, the new employer will take into account the time of the previous continuous contract.

Japan is considered a country that is quite closed to immigrants. After all, when applying for a high-paying, prestigious job, you will need not only to be a true professional, but also to have a fairly high level of knowledge of the Japanese language. But, of course, when considering candidates for a vacant position, preference will always be given to the indigenous residents of the country. In order to get a job in Japan, you will need to prove your extraordinary abilities. And for this, documents confirming the high level will clearly not be enough. It is recommended to prepare in advance the most striking independently created projects, translating them into Japanese, so that they can be presented.

Rating of professions

What specialists does the labor market in the Land of the Rising Sun need today? The following can find work in Japan without much effort:

  1. IT specialists. It is quite easy to explain the demand for such professions in a country that is a leader in the development of electronic technologies. However, an immigrant should prepare in advance for great competition. The fact is that Japan has many of its own professionals. The most popular specialties in this category are project managers and developers.
  2. Designers and architects. It is enough for good specialists from this field to get a job in Japanese companies. Moreover, employers are happy to attract immigrant professionals for cooperation. It is worth noting that in this regard, this is one of the few categories of specialists that deserve such a favorable attitude.
  3. Trade professionals. The most popular specialty in this category is sales managers. Japanese companies and sales representatives, freight forwarders and other workers in this field are invited. However, it is worth keeping in mind that to fill a vacancy you will need not only work experience in your specialty, but also excellent command of the Japanese language.
  4. Management personnel. Such employees form the backbone of Japanese business. The fact is that obtaining evolutionary results of economic development is impossible without proper planning of workers’ time and effort. In this regard, Japanese employers highly value recruiting, planning and management specialists. However, it is worth keeping in mind that this area is still easier for the indigenous residents of the country to navigate. But at the same time, foreign experience in implementing modern management systems may also be of interest to the employer.
  5. Marketing and PR specialists. Advertising is the engine of progress. The Japanese do not neglect this rule either. In addition to employees managing projects, managers working in this area are in demand in the country. However, only a person who, in addition to experience, is fluent in Japanese will be able to work in the advertising field.
  6. Electronics engineers. For Japanese employers, specialists capable of working in the production of household appliances, road vehicles, shipbuilding and instrument making are of particular value.
  7. Production personnel. Many large Japanese companies operating in the food and pharmaceutical industries, machine tools and mechanical engineering need such specialists. So far, in this country, full automation of production is a prospect for the future. That is why immigrants will always be able to find work for themselves in some factory. Here, as a rule, technicians and operators are required for automated production lines. However, despite the fact that specialists in this category can quite successfully find employment in the country, it is necessary to clarify the requirements that the employer places on candidates. They are often required to have a technical education diploma.
  8. Consultants and teachers. These specialists are also in demand in the state. Here you can even get a job as a Russian language teacher. But lately there have been quite a lot of people applying for such a vacancy, so you have to wait for a suitable place for years. English teachers can get a job in Japan without any problems. However, if their place of work is educational institutions, then the specialist will be required to have a teaching license.
  9. Accountants and financiers. No organization can do without these workers. This is why they are also included in the category of the most in-demand professions in Japan. But knowledge of the language is a prerequisite for people who decide to apply for such a vacancy.
  10. Pharmacists and medical professionals. This category of specialists in Japan is considered one of the most privileged. Most clinics in the country are private. Thanks to this, the salary in Japan for a medical worker is approaching 760 thousand yen per month. Converted to dollars, this amount will be 6,400. However, it is almost impossible for an immigrant to get a job as a doctor in this country. The fact is that diplomas from other countries confirming receipt of this profession are not valued in Japan. To obtain permission to work as a doctor, you will need to graduate from a medical school directly in this country.

Work mentality

Every resident of Japan certainly follows the traditions that have developed in the country over many centuries. If we consider the attitude of the country's indigenous population to work, it can be noted that it has certain qualities. Among them are politeness and loyalty, personal responsibility, as well as the ability to operate effectively within a certain work team.

The main goal of the Japanese is to benefit the company, while working as a kind of cog in one coherent large mechanism. Individuality is not welcomed in this country. Those loners who are guided by the principle “my house is on the edge” have no chance of success. Highly educated, but at the same time ambitious people are less valuable for management than those who, although not as educated, are patient and open to compromise. Why does this happen? Yes, simply because the Japanese do not believe that money can be given to people in simple ways. They will not respect someone who does not work hard.

By the way, many Europeans complain that their lives are practically spent at work. But is it? How long are the working hours in Japan? This should be clarified in advance by anyone who has decided to take one of the vacancies in this country.

Start of the working day

Everyday life for Japanese residents begins with a trip. They rush to their place of work, usually using public transport. Most residents of this state refuse to use a car. They do this in order to save money. After all, maintaining a personal car will cost them about 10 thousand dollars. And this is only in one month! And is it worth using a personal car in a country that has the best public transport system on our planet?

However, in large cities, the Japanese pay for such savings with tedious commutes to work in cars that are 200% full relative to their design capacity. Nevertheless, such a morning ritual does not at all cause irritation among the indigenous inhabitants of the country, which they would take out on a neighbor.

Coming to work

The Japanese begin with a peculiar ritual. It includes not only greeting superiors and colleagues. The ritual of starting the day includes employees chanting various inspiring sayings and slogans together. Only after this can you begin to perform production tasks.

What time does the working day start in Japan? Officially, most companies in the country have the same schedule. It stipulates that the working day starts at 9 a.m. and ends at 6 p.m. However, most Japanese people arrive at their workplace at least half an hour earlier. It is believed that an employee needs time to get ready for work.

Currently, many corporations have introduced a system of temporary cards. What is it? A special card is issued for each employee. It must be lowered into the device installed in front of the entrance when arriving at work and when leaving it. The card reflects the time that affects wages in Japan. Some companies deduct one hour of work for being 1 minute late. There are corporations where in this case the employee will not be given a salary for the whole day.

Work days

How long is a working day in Japan? Officially 8 o'clock. The country also provides for a lunch break. Its duration is 1 hour. Thus, the standard work contract specifies 40 hours per week.

However, working hours in Japan tend to exceed these limits. This is influenced by another tradition of the country's inhabitants. The fact is that climbing the career ladder is of great importance to them. And climbing these steps, as a rule, does not depend at all on the qualifications and intelligence of the employee, but on the amount of time during which he does not leave his chair. It is because of this that the length of the working day in Japan is far from the official one. Employees often stay late to complete tasks in the evenings. In this regard, the working day in Japan sometimes reaches 12 hours. Moreover, the country's residents do this mainly on their own initiative. In addition, despite the fact that the work week in Japan lasts only five days, employees also come to the company on Saturdays. And this is also most often their own desire.

A little history

The beginning of the increase in the average working day in Japan was facilitated by the rather low wages that the country's population received in the 1970s. Employees did everything to increase their earnings. That is why they sought to get extra money for overtime hours. This trend continued into the 1980s. And this despite the fact that a period came when Japan entered the list of the most highly developed economic countries, taking second place there. Residents of the country did not change the established tradition in the late 1990s. At this time, the working hours in Japan were long due to the crisis. In order to successfully overcome it, companies began to carry out internal reforms, rebuilding their organizational systems. At the same time, workers stayed late at work, trying not to get laid off. At the same time, companies began to hire temporary employees working without any guarantees or bonuses. Such a step made the existence of people on the staff even more unbearable.

Today, no one is embarrassed by a working day of 12 hours or more. As a rule, no one forces people to stay late in the evenings, but they believe that they are obliged to do so.

Karoshi

It is not uncommon for workers in Japan to remain at their jobs for fear of being thought of as specialists who cannot keep up with their duties. Moreover, when solving any production problem, a resident of this country strives to be a necessary link in one common chain of the corporation. The main thing for him is to work in such a way that the working group of which he is a member completes the task assigned to it within the minimum time and in an optimal manner. This is one of the reasons for the appearance of overtime. In addition, each employee, showing solidarity with his colleagues, strives to provide them with all possible assistance, which, in his opinion, they really need. This is how overtime works in Japanese companies, which is currently not paid.

Such a busy schedule leads to the fact that the country often experiences deaths due to overwork or suicide. And all this happens right in the workplace. A similar phenomenon in Japan even got its own name - “karoshi”; it is considered the official reason for a person’s death.

Unusual tradition

The stressful working conditions in Japan require some relaxation. This led to the emergence of an unusual tradition, which in the country is called “inemuri”. It represents sleep or a kind of quiet hour while working. During this time, the person continues to remain upright. In this case, sleep for the Japanese is not only a sign of hard work. It indicates the employee’s hard work and dedication.

However, those who have just got a job should not try to fall asleep on it. Inemuri is a privilege of the authorities. An employee has no right to sleep in front of a more qualified colleague. The only exception is processing that takes place after the end of the official working day. At this time, a person can sleep for 20 minutes, but with the condition that he will continue intensive work after waking up.

Vacations

As you can see, the Japanese work literally to their limits. Their daily routine and work system seem simply inhuman to Europeans. After reading these facts, the question immediately arises: “Is there a vacation in Japan?” Officially yes. According to the current legislation in the country, it lasts 10 days and must be provided once throughout the year. However, having studied the Japanese mentality, one can understand that the Japanese will not rest for so long. And indeed it is. It is not customary for residents of the country to take full advantage of their vacation. Existing traditions do not allow them to do this. In the culture of the country, it is believed that by using rest days, a person thereby indicates that he is lazy and does not support the cause of the entire team.

The Japanese compensate for their vacation with national holidays, of which there are quite a few in the country.

Wage level

What is the remuneration for work in Japan? Its level will directly depend on the employee’s position and profession. Thus, an immigrant who occupies one of the vacant positions must initially count on a salary that is lower than that of the native population. It can range from $1,400 to $1,800 over the course of a month. Over time, a skilled worker will earn more. His salary will average $2,650.

Lawyers, attorneys, pilots and doctors with extensive experience receive from 10 to 12 thousand dollars in Japan. Even the most highly developed European countries cannot boast of such a monthly salary.

Retirement

Japan's social security system has been in place since 1942. It allows people to retire when they reach age 65. This rule applies to both sexes.

Pensions in Japan are paid from the Social Security Fund. Today its assets reach 170 trillion yen.

The average social pension in Japan is $700. Professional wages are calculated based on the system in which the person worked. Thus, civil servants receive, while retired, 2/5 of their previous salary. For other employees, the amount of payments is determined based on the amount they have accumulated. It consists of monthly deductions from salary (5%). The employer also makes a contribution to the savings fund of a particular person. The company also makes monthly contributions to its employee’s pension fund.

Despite their legendary hard work, very few Japanese refuse their legal right to rest a little. But, of course, there are also unofficial holidays - matsuri. They are not formally a weekend, but are accompanied by quite lush processions, fireworks, beautiful performances, in a word, everything looks very, very spectacular and impressive.

New Year and related holidays

Something like a holiday begins on New Year's Eve. By the way, you should not confuse Japan and other Asian countries in this regard; in Japan, the New Year is celebrated according to the Gregorian calendar, at least en masse. True, the emphasis is on January 1, and not on December 31, as in Russia. It's simple: the Japanese believe that a new year and a new day begins at dawn, and not with the onset of the required number of hours. Therefore, they attach great importance to the morning of January 1st.

But this is if we get ahead of ourselves a little. In general, the importance the Japanese attach to the New Year is already noticeable in Omisoka; it is something like an analogue of spring cleaning, cleaning. At this time, the Japanese like not only to do general cleaning, but also to organize fun parties with beer, seafood and get-togethers in bars. For immigrants from Russia, such habits seem familiar and even somehow touching. In fact, besides the fact that it’s just nice to sit over a glass of something good in a fun company, the Japanese have some hidden meaning in this action: they are getting rid of the old. For example, they can ask a friend for forgiveness, or delicately ask friends if they need help. In general, old debts are covered.



Omisoka is not a holiday, but it is a special period that is significant for most Japanese, which, moreover, is directly related to the New Year. Therefore it is worth mentioning. In addition, Omisoka is celebrated especially magnificently in some prefectures, accompanied by various rituals, when water is poured out of the windows or some old thing is thrown away... Sometimes the premises are cleaned by ringing bells or special singing. In general, tourists have something to see, especially if for some reason they find themselves in the province at this time. In large modern cities, such time now often passes almost unnoticed.

But let's go back to the New Year. December 31st is the farewell to the old year. The Japanese take this day quite calmly; many watch congratulations on TV at 12 o’clock and then go to bed. However, this applies to a greater extent to the adult generation, and young people are increasingly succumbing to the trends of Western culture, they can go to nightclubs to count down 12 hours there... But still, this does not happen as massively as, for example, in Europe or in Russia.

On December 31, it is customary to eat buckwheat noodles (soba), which acquires special significance on this day. Its length symbolizes the entire past year that was lived. And by eating such long noodles, the Japanese seem to show that he accepts responsibility for what he has lived. Also on December 31, many people visit temples, where they make sacrifices, pray for prosperity in the coming year, and write wishes on special wooden tablets. Special amulets with the image (symbolic) of the animal of the next year are sold everywhere here.



Finally, January 1st arrives, the most important or one of the most important holidays for Japan. Of course, on this day the country is quite beautiful, lanterns and flags are hung, a lot of different decorative elements are used for decorations, and so on. But compared to many other countries and, say, Chinese Lunar New Year, Japan is very quiet on this day. The fact is that this holiday is, first of all, family. The Japanese use January 1, 2 and 3 to reunite with their families, celebrate the new year, and be with loved ones.

The main food on January 1st is osechi. It carries more meaning than taste, that is, it is not made for the enjoyment of taste, but rather for sacred reasons. This does not mean that many Japanese do not like it, but most people take the New Year's treat quite calmly. So, caviar is always served on the festive table; it is a symbol of fertility, wealth; beans are an opportunity to work hard and stay healthy; shrimp are a wish for longevity. In general, whether it’s tasty or not depends greatly on what exactly is there. The set varies greatly from prefecture to prefecture, and in the capital of the country, different shops and restaurants prepare a variety of sets; you should order them in advance, because 2 weeks before the New Year, for example, is often considered too late. Of course, they are all beautifully decorated.


Cherry blossom festival

A little out of chronological order, but just what most tourists are familiar with, what they hear about... And what is festive is often associated with Japan. Nowadays there is generally a separate tourist destination: taking travelers to certain places to admire the cherry blossoms. Officially, the first day of cherry blossom is when the buds appear on the tree at Yasukumi, an ancient Buddhist temple in Tokyo. From this moment, all the country's media begin to count down 2 weeks, which is how long this beautiful plant blooms.

But in general, Japan is a very geographically extended country from north to south. And in the south, in some regions, sakura begins to bloom in February. Wealthy Japanese even allow themselves such entertainment: they travel to different cities and territories of the country to prolong the pleasure of admiring sakura. It is noteworthy that this custom has quite a rich history. The tradition of admiring tree blossoms dates back more than seventeen centuries. Initially, this was considered the lot of aristocrats who gathered under cherry blossom trees, wrote poetry, thought about the eternal, and practiced the fine arts.



Then this tradition came to the taste of the common people. And the emperor ordered to plant sakura literally throughout the country, so that everyone could admire the beauty of the plant. During the Meiji era, trees were unlucky: they began to be cut down because it was believed that the plant would once again remind of the old government. But this nightmare for the trees did not last very long. And now admiring sakura is considered a tribute to the past, cultural heritage, and unique Japanese flavor.

It is worth noting that pilgrimages to the parks and to these trees in general occur constantly, day and night. And so that everything can be clearly seen in the evening in the dark, the trees are decorated with special lanterns. As a result, many Japanese parks become very beautiful and elegant. By the way, a special festival is organized to celebrate the cherry blossoms, various contests, competitions, pictures are drawn, poems are dedicated... In general, it is also a very creative holiday.


Coming of Age Celebration

On the second Monday of January, Japanese boys and girls celebrate their coming of age. This applies to everyone who turned 20 this year, regardless of the date. The celebration dates back more than a hundred years: previously, men were sworn to a special oath, their locks of hair above their foreheads were shaved and a braid was tied like a samurai. The girls got the opportunity to wear the first kimono of an adult woman in their life. And they also had their own rituals and ceremonies associated with emphasizing femininity and the special role in maintaining the hearth.

Today, a lot comes down to parties, solemn processions of young people in beautiful national costumes, and the opportunity for girls to show off in furisude - one of the most elegant winter kimonos. Of course, numerous photo sessions are organized. For young women, this is one of the few chances to wear a national costume, since a kimono today, no matter how prosaic it may seem, is very expensive. Therefore, some families even set aside money specifically for its purchase. But in general, since such a kimono is needed once in a lifetime, many do not see anything wrong with renting it

The ceremony of maturity certificates itself takes place in the district prefecture, where girls and boys are presented with the relevant documents. But first they are congratulated on this day, the mayor often speaks, successful and famous personalities who were born here are invited to tell how they achieved success. Sometimes they ask you to talk about what you want to achieve in life, but most are still shy. The next point is a Buddhist temple, where, of course, they pray, make wishes and write them on special tablets. And finally, a bar with unlimited drinks, small snacks, and dancing until the morning.


Day of spring equinox

The spring equinox is celebrated in many countries, but not everywhere it has received official status. In Japan, it has been celebrated in this status for 67 years, and every year it attracts more and more attention. It is usually celebrated somewhere between the 21st and 22nd; the exact date is determined by astronomers who carefully calculate it. After they announce when the equinox will be this year, the Japanese decide on the day. And they go to Buddhist temples: to pray for a new successful year, to honor the memory of deceased ancestors, to pay homage to them.

It is also customary to make donations, engage in charity work, and pay attention to elders. In Japan, Higan (as it is officially called) is perceived as a holiday associated with renewal and purification. Therefore, they try to do a lot of spring cleaning, get rid of everything superfluous and unnecessary. The streets are in perfect order, which can be seen if you come here at this time.


Autumn equinox day

Shi-bun no Hi and its traditions have many similarities with how the spring equinox holiday is celebrated. But if in March the Japanese are preparing for renewal, then in September they simultaneously thank the deities for a good holiday (even if the harvest was not very good, so as not to anger them) and begin to wait for a long winter. This is a period when one rejoices before serious trials. There are a lot of lanterns being burned, it is generally warm and light takes on a special meaning, so it is not surprising that this day boasts a surprisingly large number of fireworks.

Just like in the spring, on such a day they remember their ancestors. But they don’t go to temples, but to graves, to bow to them, take care of them, for example, plant plants or simply clean them. They make ritual dishes, and they are only vegetarian, literally following the Buddhist prohibition to kill all living things. On the streets, to the delight of tourists, you can see beautiful processions in national costumes.


Sea Day

Sea Day is celebrated on the third Monday in July. This is when the official swimming season begins. This happens so late because the sea here is quite cold. But you can swim for more than half of September, but in general the season itself is quite short. As for the holiday itself, the Japanese emphasize the special significance of the sea for themselves, which, of course, is difficult to overestimate. It is this that provides the main source of nutrition: fish, seafood and algae; without these products it is simply impossible to imagine Japanese cuisine.

This holiday, unlike many other national Japanese celebrations, does not have established traditions. Which is not surprising: it is the youngest of all that are celebrated throughout the country at the state level, it was established in 1996. Many Japanese simply perceive it as an additional day off, although gradually numerous festivals, competitions and competitions are increasingly gaining momentum, especially at resorts.

And yet it cannot be said that there are no traditions at all on this day. For example, it is customary to cook fish in sweet and sour sauce, decorate beaches and hold parties in a marine style. Many also try to swim, and you can see whole crowds on the beaches! In a word, tourists really like this day.

There are currently 14 public holidays (weekends) in Japan and many more traditional, religious and local holidays and festivals. Some of them arose quite recently, some have been celebrated for a thousand years.

Note that it is not customary to congratulate most holidays in Japan - they are simply celebrated. Japanese people usually congratulate each other on important events in life - happy birthday, enrollment in high school, admission to college, the birth of a child.

It is customary to give gifts on all “personal” occasions. Gifts are also given at the end of the year (oseibo) and in the middle of summer, during the Bon holiday (otyugen). Usually, various useful things are given as gifts: soap, towels, food, alcohol, exotic fruits. At the same time, it is not customary to make a gift too “personal”, indicating both excellent knowledge of the life of the recipient and the personality of the donor.

What is most valued is not the gift itself, but its appearance - the beautiful packaging. Gifts are never unwrapped in the presence of the giver, so as not to inadvertently offend him. It is also not customary to refuse gifts.

January

January 1 is the New Year (Ganjitsu), a public holiday and one of the most magnificent celebrations throughout the year. The celebration continues from December 30 to January 3. At night
On New Year's Day, a Hatsu-mode prayer is held, during which people pray for happiness in the coming year. Japanese people exchange greeting cards and give each other gifts.

No one usually sleeps on the night of January 1st, so the first sleep of the new year falls on January 2nd. Hatsu-yume ("first dream of the year") is considered prophetic and is seen as a fortune teller for the entire year. The best dreams are Mount Fuji or wealth.

On January 2 and 3, a two-day marathon relay "Ekiden" (the name comes from the ancient courier communication system) between the cities of Tokyo and Hakone (round trip - 216.4 km, divided into 10 stages) is held. It has been held since 1917 in honor of the move of the imperial court from Kyoto to Tokyo in 1867 and is one of the most important events in the sports life of Japan.

On January 7, Japanese families prepare rice porridge with the “seven spring herbs” (haru no nanakusa). The composition of these herbs depends on the area. It is believed that this porridge fills the body with strength for the whole year.

On January 11, the Japanese break the decorative mochi rice balls left over from the New Year and already dried (Kagami-biraki ritual). Usually two such koloboks are kept in the family altar during all holidays. From their remains they make soup and eat it, dedicating the meal to the deities. It is important to break the bun, and not to cut it (this would be a bad sign).

On the second Monday of January (until 2000 - January 15) Coming of Age Day (Seijin no hi) is celebrated. This is a public holiday for everyone who in the past year
turned 20 years old. From this age, Japanese people have the legal right to vote, smoke and drink alcohol. Until 1876, adulthood was 15 for boys and 13 for girls.

Throughout January, Japanese people worship and pray to the Seven Gods of Fortune.


February

Setsubun (New Year's Eve according to the old calendar) is celebrated on February 3 or 4. On the night of Setsubun, the Mame-maki (“bean throwing”) ceremony is held in homes. Children
they fill cups with beans and scatter them around the rooms, reciting spells to ward off oni demons. At the end of the ceremony, everyone eats as many beans as they are old. This ritual drives away demons and guarantees health throughout the year.

On February 4 or 5, Chinese New Year or Rissyun is celebrated - the beginning of spring. From this day on, field work begins in Japan.

February 11 is a public holiday, Day of the Foundation of the State (Kigen-setsu). It was established in 1873 to commemorate the coronation of Emperor Jimmu. The holiday was canceled after World War II and restored in 1966.

February 14 is Valentine's Day. In Japan, on this day, girls and women give honmei chocolates to their lovers, and giri chocolates to their friends and colleagues. The type of chocolate is written on the greeting card. This holiday has been celebrated with chocolate since 1958.

March

March 3 - Puppet Festival (Hina Matsuri). This is a holiday for little girls. On this day, small exhibitions of dolls dressed in Heian period clothing are held in homes. If these dolls are not removed after the end of the holiday, then the daughters
They won't get married for a long time. Dolls are usually either hidden in a closet or thrown into the river and they pray that the dolls will bear all the troubles that may befall the girls.

March 14 - White Day. On this day, men give women white chocolate as a thank you for their Valentine's Day gifts. The holiday has been celebrated since 1965.

March 20 or 21 - Vernal Equinox Day (Syumbun no hi). The weekly period starting three days before the vernal equinox is called Higan. At this time, the Japanese visit the graves of their ancestors. From this day on, sakura begins to bloom in southern Japan.

Major Japanese children's animation festivals begin in March.

April 8 - Buddha's Birthday (Kambutsu-e) or Flower Festival (Hana Matsuri). This is a Buddhist holiday, on this day Buddhist temples are decorated with flowers, and parishioners special flower tea-amatya is distributed. It is believed to have magical powers; various amulets are written with it. This tea is also poured on Buddha statues. According to legend, immediately after birth, nine heavenly dragons sprinkled water on the baby’s head. This legend is reproduced by the ritual. The flowers symbolize the Lumbini garden, where the Enlightened One was born.

April 29 - Greenery Day (Midori no hi). This is a national holiday of love for nature. Until 1988, it was celebrated as Emperor Showa's birthday. After the emperor's death in 1989, it was renamed Green Day because the late emperor was very fond of nature. On this day, trees are planted throughout Japan. The Golden Week holidays begin on April 29.

Throughout March, April and May, the Japanese organize hanami - admiring the cherry blossoms. To do this, they usually go out of town for picnics.

From April 29 to May 5, a week of public holidays under the general name “Golden Week” takes place in Japan.
May 1 - May Day. May 3 is Constitution Day (Kempokinambi), which has been celebrated since 1947. May 4 has also been declared a public holiday to avoid disrupting the week. ^_^ "Golden Week" is considered an ideal time for vacations - Japan has the best weather at this time.

May 5 is the national holiday Children's Day (Kodomo no hi). Previously, it was a holiday only for boys. On this day, families with boys hang carp-shaped wind pennants (koinobori) outside. Carp is considered a symbol of courage, strength and success because it can swim against the current.

The second Sunday in May is Mother's Day. The Japanese borrowed this holiday from the Americans and began celebrating it in 1913 (with a break for the war). On this day, children give their mothers gifts and flowers and help them with the housework.

June 1 - the beginning of the freshwater trout fishing season (lasts until September).

June 4 is the Day against Caries. During the week, dentists visit schools and talk about the dangers of tooth decay and how to brush your teeth properly.

The third Sunday in June is Fathers Day. Like Mother's Day, this holiday came from the USA. On this day, children give gifts to their fathers, usually ties, wallets, umbrellas and so on. Also, some schools organize classes on this day so that fathers (who work on weekdays) can come to school and watch how their children study.

From early June to mid-July in Japan is the summer rainy season (Tsuyu).

July 1 - opening of the climbing season on Mount Fuji (Yamabiraki). There is a post office at the top of the mountain, and anyone can send a letter from it to prove to their friends that they really have been to the top of Fuji.


July 7 is the Tanabata holiday or Star Festival. According to legend, on this night the stars of the Shepherd (Altair) and the Spinner (Vega), usually separated by the Milky Way, meet. At night, the Japanese make wishes, write them on narrow strips of paper and tie them to bamboo stems. In some parts of the country this holiday is celebrated on August 7th.

July 20 - Sea Day (Umi no hi). It was only declared a public holiday in 1996, but has been celebrated since 1941 to commemorate Emperor Meiji's return to the port of Yokohama from a tour of northern Japan in 1876. Now on this day the summer holidays begin.

August 15 is Remembrance Day for the victims of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima (August 9, 1945) and Nagasaki (August 9, 1945). On this day, Japan officially surrendered.

In mid-August, days are held dedicated to the Bon holiday - Ancestors' Day. It is believed that on these days ancestors visit the houses in which they previously lived. Special welcoming bonfires, mukae-bi, are lit for them, which at the end of the holiday are replaced by farewell bonfires, okuri-bi. Sometimes okuri-bi is lit in lamps and lowered into the water. Buddhist temples perform the Urabon ceremony in honor of deceased ancestors. All over Japan these days people dance a special round dance, Odori, performed in national costumes. During the Bon holiday, vacations are often granted to visit the graves of ancestors. During the Bon holiday, it is customary to give gifts to each other.

Throughout August, nightly fireworks festivals are organized in Japan.

September

August 31 or September 1 - Nihyaku Toka Day - the beginning of the typhoon season. The harvest must be completed before this day, otherwise the crop will perish. According to tradition, this day is considered the 210th day since the Rissyun holiday.

In addition to typhoons, September also marks the beginning of the autumn rainy season (Akisame).

On September 1, 1923, the Great Kanto Earthquake occurred, in which 140 thousand people died in the vicinity of Tokyo, and Tokyo itself was destroyed. In 1960, this day was declared Natural Disaster Relief Day. On this day, schools conduct training evacuations of schoolchildren. They usually end the ceremony of the beginning of a new trimester.

September 15 is a national holiday, Day of Respect for the Elderly (Keiro no hi). It has been celebrated since 1951 and was declared state in 1966.

September 14 or 15 - Full Moon Admiration Day (Chushu no Meigetsu). On this day, donuts in the shape of the full moon are eaten. The holiday is dedicated to the moon god Tsukiyoshi.

September 23 or 24 - Day of the autumnal equinox (Shubun no hi). The weeklong period beginning three days before the Autumn Equinox is called Higan (as in spring). During this time, the Japanese also visit the graves of their ancestors.

October 1 is the Day of collecting donations for the benefit of the poor. Its symbol is a red feather, and this tradition came to Japan from the United States. Many celebrities are participating in the fundraiser.

The second Monday of October (until 2000 - October 10) is a public holiday, Sports Day (Taiiku no hi). Established in honor of the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. Various sports competitions are held on this day.

International Book Week takes place from October 27 to November 9. The holiday has been celebrated since 1947 and was borrowed from the USA.

November

November 3 - Culture Day (Bunka no hi), a public holiday. On this day in 1946, the new Japanese Constitution was published. On this day, the emperor awards cultural awards.

November 15 - City-go-san (Seven-Five-Three) Festival. On this day, children as young as three, boys as young as five, and girls as young as seven visit Shinto shrines and pray for longevity.
In ancient times, at the age of three, children stopped shaving their heads, at the age of five, boys were first dressed in hakama trousers, and girls at the age of seven were first tied with an obi belt. Therefore, now children usually come to churches in national costumes. After visiting the temple, parents buy their children a longevity candy - chitose ame. It is sold with a bag on which a stork and a turtle are depicted - ancient symbols of long life. Literally "chitose" means "thousand years".

November 23 is a national holiday, Labor Thanksgiving Day (Kinrokansha no hi). It was established in 1948 to commemorate the ancient Harvest Festival (Niinamesai). During this festival, the emperor thanked the gods for the rice harvest and symbolically shared a meal with them. Now this holiday is also associated with guarantees of employment and human rights.

December

December 25-28 - making mochi rice balls to eat on New Year's Eve. Mochi are considered to be the embodiment of the spirit of rice. Eating them is communion with his divine power.

December 31 - Omisoka ceremony, cleansing the house before the New Year. The house is thoroughly washed and cleaned, all garbage is thrown away. On New Year's Eve, long noodles are eaten toshi-koshi ("passing from year to year") so that life lasts as long as these noodles. At midnight in Buddhist temples the bell is rung 108 times to overcome the 108 passions that prevent people from achieving Enlightenment. These 108 strokes mark the beginning of the New Year for the Japanese.