By: Mika Matsumura, GVJCI Marketing & Social Media Intern
Culture Day also known as 文化の日 (Bunka no Hi) is an annual national holiday celebrated in Japan on November 3rd. The day was originally intended to be a birthday celebration for the Meiji Emperor from 1868 until 1912. However, in 1927 the day was recreated to be "Meiji Setsu" in honor of the late Emperor. But again, in 1947 the day was rebranded due to post World War II and is now known as the current "Culture Day." On this holiday, they celebrate peace, freedom, and culture.
In Tokyo, one of the largest and most widely known event is held at the Imperial Palace and is called the Order of Culture Award Ceremony. It is an award given to celebrate public figures that have displayed impressive culture, arts, science, or academic contributions to Japan and the world. The award is a great honor and is presented by the emperor himself. Some of the past recipients of the Order of Culture Award were former United States Vice President Dick Cheney, three American astronauts who were aboard Apollo 11, literary Scholar Donald Keene, Ikuo Hirayama a Japanese artist, and Japanese poet Makoto Ooka.
Museums and art galleries are open with free entry on Culture Day, which makes them a popular choice for families and friends. Many schools show their student's artworks or hold performances where their talents are shown. Hakone in Kanagawa holds a famous event called "Daimyo Gyoretsu" and translated as Feudal Lord's Parade. At this event clothing and traditions from the Edo-era are showcased. Many other parades and festivals are organized across the country to show the traditions that the area is known for.
Museums and art galleries are open with free entry on Culture Day, which makes them a popular choice for families and friends. Many schools show their student's artworks or hold performances where their talents are shown. Hakone in Kanagawa holds a famous event called "Daimyo Gyoretsu" and translated as Feudal Lord's Parade. At this event clothing and traditions from the Edo-era are showcased. Many other parades and festivals are organized across the country to show the traditions that the area is known for.
The holiday is a perfect way to reflect on Japan's rich history and culture. Here at Gardena Valley JCI, we similarly celebrate Japanese culture at our Matsuri. At our summer Matsuri, we see people wearing a kimono, yukata, and happi coats. We want to showcase our culture to the community as we perform dances, martial arts, taiko, and much more. There is always great Japanese foods and desserts as well as fun carnival games. Inside we have displays of history and artwork from students. If you miss Culture Day in Japan, stop by our annual Matsuri to experience Japanese culture from our local community!
https://www.officeholidays.com/holidays/japan/culture-day
https://savvytokyo.com/culture-day-quest-japanese-traditions/
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