Japan National Foundation Day

Japan National Foundation Day

February 11

The nationwide holiday known as Kenkoku Kinen-no-Hi commemorates the accession to the throne of Jimmu Tenno, Japan's first human emperor, in the year 660 b.c.e. He was believed to be a direct descendant of the gods and is credited with founding the Japanese empire. In fact, this day was originally known as Empire Day back in 1872, when the Japanese government first established it as a national holiday. It was abandoned after World War II, then brought back as National Foundation Day in 1966.
It is observed throughout Japan with fireworks and speeches on Japan's position in the world. One of the most elaborate celebrations takes place in Tokyo, where special rites are performed at the Imperial Sanctuary. The emperor and empress, the prime minister, and other high officials attend the ceremony.

CONTACTS:
Japan Information Network, Japan Center for Intercultural Communications
2-7-7 Hirakawacho
Chiyodaku
Tokyo, 102-0093 Japan
81-3-3263-5041; fax: 81-3-3230-4107
home.jcic.or.jp/en/index-e.html

SOURCES:
AnnivHol-2000, p. 25
BkFest-1937, p. 196
DictWrldRel-1989, p. 382

Celebration day: Feb 11