| Golden Week | |
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April 29th is Japan's National holiday, Showa no hi. This day leads Japan into Golden Week, a succession of holidays. When Saturdays and Sundays are included, this week becomes one of the longest holidays of the year. The weather is warm and suitable for excursions at this time, therefore many Japanese make trips during Golden Week and it is one of the busiest travel times.
Showa no hi (Showa Day) April 29:
It used to be Emperor Showa's birthday celebration. After his death in 1989, it was designated as "Midori no hi (Greenery Day)," a day for the appreciation of nature. It was decided to change the name of this day to "Showa no hi" as of 2007.
Kenpo kinenbi (Constitution Day) May 3:
The present Constitution of Japan was put into effect on this day in 1947.
Midori no hi (Greenery Day) May 4:
"Midori no hi" used to be celebrated on April 29, until 2006. Before being declared "Midori no hi," May 4 was a national holiday as it falls between two other holidays.
Kodomo no hi (Children's Day) May 5:
A day to wish for the health and happiness of children.
* Some companies give employees a day off on May 1, which is May Day.
Golden Week in 2008
| April 29 (Tue) | Showa Day 昭和の日 |
| April 30 (Wed) | |
| May 1 (Thu) | May Day メーデー |
| May 2 (Fri) | |
| May 3 (Sat) | Constitution Day 憲法記念日 |
| May 4 (Sun) | Greenery Day 緑の日 |
| May 5 (Mon) | Children's Day 子供の日 |
| May 6 (Tue) | National Holiday |
