Showa Day 昭和の日　しょうわのひ

Hirohito’s Birthday

Showa Day is meant to be a reflection on the past and the turbulent times of this man’s reign rather than a celebration of his time as emperor. Emperor Showa is more commonly known in America by his actual name (Showa is the epochal name) of Hirohito. His birthday was a working day holiday during his lifetime. After his death they kept this holiday, but renamed it Greenery Day. In 2007, after much debate, it was decided to establish this as an official holiday in which most people got time off known as Showa Day. On this day people are encouraged to think about the good and bad things that occurred in Japan during the 63 years of his reign.

You get the day off, though !!