Showa Day is a national holiday in Japan, held annually on April 29th. It is a significant day that celebrates the birthday of Emperor Hirohito, who reigned during the Showa Era from 1926 to 1989. The Showa Era was a period of immense transformation for Japan, encompassing both World War II and the subsequent period of growth and prosperity. This makes Showa Day a period for reflection on the events of the past era.
The holiday is a part of the Golden Week, a collection of four national holidays within seven days. This period is considered the longest vacation period of the year for many Japanese workers. Showa Day was previously known as The Emperor's Birthday during Hirohito’s life and later renamed Greenery Day after his death. However, it was renamed Showa Day in 2007 after a series of changes in public holidays law to honor the late emperor and the time of his reign.
Activities for Showa Day are typically more reflective than festive. Many people visit the graves of their ancestors to honor them. A common tradition is for people to visit Shinto shrines where they pray for their ancestors and the peace of their souls. There aren't many specific customs related to the holiday, however, discussions and preparations related to the holiday often stimulate nostalgia for the Showa era. While this day is an official holiday and most businesses are closed, the feeling of celebration is limited, as the day is more reminiscent of reflection on the past.