JAPAN FORUM Japan Forum Ask questions & discuss travel to Japan in our Japan Forum. Japan Forum also covers Japanese culture, food, Japan fashion, music and politics.
Joined: 08 Dec 2003 Posts: 929 Location: Australia
Posted: Fri Oct 27, 2006 11:12 am Post subject:
It seems like today it is a bit of an excuse for a public holiday as not many Japanese do anything on that day.
From Wikipedia:
Culture Day (文化の日, Bunka-no-hi) is a national holiday held annually in Japan on November 3 for the purpose of promoting culture, the arts, and academics. Festivities typically include art exhibitions, parades, and award ceremonies for distinguished artists and scholars.
History
November 3 has been a national holiday in Japan since the Meiji Period. Originally celebrated as The Emperor's Birthday - the Meiji Emperor was born on November 3 - it was changed to Culture Day upon the Meiji Emperor's death in 1912.[1]
With the official announcement of the post-war Japanese constitution on November 3, 1946, Culture Day gained additional significance, and has become a day for people to promote the values espoused in the post-war constitution.[2] The day the constitution was officially adopted has its own holiday, as well. (See: Constitution Memorial Day)
Current Practice
As Culture Day exists to promote the arts and various fields of academic endeavor, local and prefectural governments typically choose this day to hold art exhibits, culture festivals, and parades. For example, Hakone in Kanagawa prefecture holds the annual Federal Lord's Parade (箱根大名行列, Hakone Daimyo Gyoretsu?) to exhibit Edo Period clothing and costumes.[3] It is common for universities to present new research and projects on Culture Day.
Since 1937, the award ceremony for the prestigious Order of Culture has been held on this day.[4] Given by the Emperor himself to those who have significantly advanced science, the arts or culture, it is one of the highest honors bestowed by the Imperial Family. The prize is not restricted to Japanese citizens, and for instance was awarded to the Apollo 11 astronauts upon their successful return from the moon.
Curiously, Culture Day is statistically one of the finest days of the year. Between 1965 and 1996, there have only been three years with rain occurring in Tokyo on Culture Day.[5] _________________ Craig Fryer
Please DO NOT email or PM me a question. Please place your questions in the forum.
All information provided is on an as is basis and is without warranty.
It was the birthday of the Emperor Meiji. The celebration of his birthday was sustained as Culture Day when he passed away. It is also the day the present Japanese Constitution was officially announced in 1946. The Order of Culture Awards ceremony for people who are outstanding contributors to Japanese culture and society is held in the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on this day.
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum
FAQ
Search
Memberlist
Usergroups
Register
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
HOME
