What is “Golden Week”? This refers to the period from April 29 to May 5 when there are four national holidays! Including Saturday and Sundays, many Japanese have more than a week of holidays at this time. However, in this year, it is a little difficult to take long holidays.

Here are national holidays at this time.
—Showa no hi [Showa Day]: April 29 is called Showa Day. This day was a national holidays for 63 years to celebrate former Emperor Showa’s birthday. After his death in 1989 the Emperor’s birthday holiday was moved to December 23. However, since April 29 had long been the starting date of Golden Week, the Government thought this holiday should not be taken away. The purpose of Showa Day is to remember the Showa Period, which experienced great upheaval after World War II.

—Kempo kinenbi [Constitution Day]: It s held on May 3 and is a part of Golden Week. This holiday celebrates the enforcement of the current constitution which was enforced on Mary 3, 1947, and it’s a day to remember the hopes for the growth of the country.

—Midori no hi [Greenery Day]: It is May 4, and the purpose of tehis holiday is to get closer to nature, appreciate its blessings and enrich the spirit of the people.

—Kodomo no hi [Children’s Day]: It is May 5, and it’s a holiday to pray for all children’s health and growth. The day is officially called Children’s Day, but it has traditionally been a festive day for little boys.

The students learning Japanese language at NILS have Golden Week holidays soon. We believe that they will enjoy this holiday season.

April 26th News, from NILS Japanese Language School.