Culture Day, known as 'Bunka no Hi' in Japan, is a national holiday held annually on November 3. On this day, various events celebrating their culture and the love for freedom and peace are held all over the country. The holiday was officially established in 1948, replacing the Meiji Emperor's birthday, to honour and promote culture, arts and academics in the country.
The Culture Day of Japan presents an opportunity to recognize its rich and diverse cultural heritage. The day is marked by numerous events which include art exhibitions, parades, and award ceremonies. One of the highlights of the day is the Order of Culture awards ceremony. It takes place at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, where the Emperor presents the awards to individuals who have made significant contributions to art, literature, or culture in general.
Culture Day is not just a day off for the Japanese, it is also an occasion to express their traditional and contemporary arts. Educational institutions, such as schools and universities, hold culture festivals where students showcase their talents in various fields. You can also find locals wearing traditional Japanese attire, such as kimonos, to celebrate this special day. Despite the modernization and western influence, Culture Day is one of the significant holidays where the Japanese are able to preserve and magnify their unique and timeless traditions, and pass it down to next generation.