Day to Day Life in Japan

Japan is known for its unique culture and traditions, especially the different kinds of days that provide structure and specificity to the lives of its citizens. These days are of special significance, and are both celebrated and observed in unique ways. What day is it in Japan? The answer is simple, yet incredibly complex.

The Japanese Calendar

The times we live in are often quite different from country to country. This is due to the various time zones and calendars that have been adopted by different countries. One of these is the Japanese calendar, which uses the same division of days and months as the Gregorian calendar, or the calendar used in the West. However, the Japanese calendar is slightly longer than the Gregorian calendar, as the Emperor of Japan traditionally celebrates the New Year with a proclamation on January 1st. As a result, many days in Japan have their own special celebrations, denoted by the day’s name in Japanese.

Traditional Japanese Days

Japan has its own variety of special days, each with its own meaning and purpose. One of the most important and intriguing is Kinenbi. This is a day devoted to expressing appreciation to friends, family, and colleagues, and remembering the important moments shared by them. It is usually celebrated by spending time together and eating traditional Japanese dishes, such as soba and sushi.

Another special day observed and celebrated in Japan is called Tanabata. This year-long festival is celebrated on the seventh day of the seventh month, and commemorates the love story of two star-crossed lovers who are only able to meet once each year. As part of the festival, people will write their wishes or to-do lists on pieces of paper and hang them on bamboo branches in hopes that their wishes will come true.

Finally, Coming of Age Day is a day observed each year on the second Monday of January where those who turned 20 years old in the previous year are officially recognized as adults and become part of the Japanese adult population. On this day, young adults celebrate their transition to adulthood with a Coming of Age Ceremony, in which they are given kimonos and attend various local events.

Conclusion

The days of Japan are filled with a unique blend of old and new traditions, making them special in their own ways. Every day is an opportunity to learn more about Japan’s unique culture, and to appreciate the days devoted to expressing appreciation to those around us, honoring star-crossed lovers, and celebrating young adults. These days, as well as all others, carry a certain charm and importance that can only be found in Japan.