Japanese annual events have been held since ancient times to remember nature and ancestors, and have been connected by the Japanese people since ancient times.
January
- New Year’s Day (元旦): Celebrates the beginning of the new year with traditional customs like eating osechi ryori (New Year’s food) and visiting shrines.
- Coming-of-Age Day (成人の日): Celebrates young adults turning 20 with ceremonies and festivities.
February
- Setsubun (節分): A day to drive away evil spirits by throwing roasted soybeans and chanting “oni wa soto! fuku wa uchi!” (demons out! fortune in!).
- Valentine’s Day (バレンタインデー): A day for expressing love and affection, with the unique Japanese custom of women giving chocolates to men.
March
- Hinamatsuri (雛祭り): A festival for girls, displaying beautiful dolls and praying for their happiness and health.
- Vernal Equinox Day (春分の日): A national holiday marking the spring equinox and a time for honoring ancestors.
April
- Cherry Blossom Viewing (花見): A beloved tradition of enjoying the beauty of cherry blossoms with picnics and parties under the blooming trees.
- Buddha’s Birthday (花まつり): Celebrates the birth of Buddha with flower offerings and sweet tea.
May
- Golden Week (ゴールデンウィーク): A week with several national holidays, making it a popular time for travel and leisure.
- Children’s Day (子供の日): A day to celebrate children’s happiness and well-being, displaying koinobori (carp streamers) and eating chimaki (rice dumplings).
June
- Rainy Season (梅雨): A period of heavy rainfall, but also a time for appreciating the beauty of nature and enjoying seasonal foods like hydrangea and ajisai.
July
- Tanabata (七夕): A star festival where people write wishes on colorful strips of paper and hang them on bamboo branches.
- Obon (お盆): A Buddhist festival to honor the spirits of ancestors, with traditional dances and ceremonies.
August
- Summer Festivals (夏祭り): Lively festivals with traditional dances, music, food stalls, and fireworks.
- Mountain Day (山の日): A national holiday to appreciate the blessings of mountains.
September
- Respect for the Aged Day (敬老の日): A day to honor and show respect for elderly people.
- Autumnal Equinox Day (秋分の日): A national holiday marking the autumn equinox and a time for honoring ancestors.
October
- Health and Sports Day (体育の日): A national holiday to promote health and an active lifestyle.
- Halloween (ハロウィーン): A popular holiday with costumes, parties, and trick-or-treating.
November
- Culture Day (文化の日): A national holiday to promote culture and the arts.
- Labor Thanksgiving Day (勤労感謝の日): A national holiday to express gratitude for labor and production.
December
- Winter Solstice (冬至): The shortest day of the year, with customs like taking yuzu baths and eating pumpkin.
- New Year’s Eve (大晦日): The last day of the year, with traditions like eating toshikoshi soba (year-crossing noodles) and visiting temples for midnight bell ringing.
These are just a few of the many annual events and seasonal festivals in Japan. Each region and community may have its own unique celebrations and traditions, making Japan a country rich in culture and heritage.
Those event surely could be a great touch points if you are looking forward promoting something in Japan communities.
