Arab News Japan

TOKYO: Japan celebrated National Foundation Day on February 11, a public holiday that marks the founding of Japan and the ascension of its first monarch, Emperor Jimmu, in 660 BC.

This year’s holiday comes in the wake of a landslide election win by Prime Minister TAKAICHI Sanae that some observers say will mark a move to a more conservative Japan, one that celebrates its long imperial history and requires its citizens to have pride in Japan.

The holiday was originally established in 1873 as “Empire Day” to bolster imperial authority. This was abolished after World War II by Allied occupation forces due to its links to nationalism. After public debate, it was reinstated in 1966 with its current name and a more neutral focus on the nation’s history rather than the emperor specifically. 

It was considered one of Japan’s four major holidays along with the birthdays of Emperor Meiji and Emperor Showa (Hirohito) and New Year’s Day. The Constitution of the Empire of Japan was decreed on this day in 1889; afterward, it was commemorated on February 11 as well.

For most, National Foundation Day is a chance to take a day off work and celebrate tradition rather than the battles of the past.

The largest public event was a parade in Tokyo featuring mikoshi (portable shrines) and marching bands, traveling from Meiji Jingu Garden to Meiji Jingu Shrine despite cold, wet weather.

Prime Minister Takaichi released a message ahead of National Foundation Day, saying she wanted to make the Japanese archipelago strong and prosperous

“We will firmly pass on Japan’s proud national character to the next generation who will carry the future,” she stated. “We Japanese people are proud of our long history and unique culture, have protected our beautiful nature, valued harmony, and have lived in a way that families and communities help each other.”