Culture Day: A Fun Holiday on November 3rd!

Culture Day, also known as Bunka no Hi, is honored annually in Japan on November 3rd. It’s a fun national holiday where everyone comes together to enjoy various events that highlight the beauty and richness of Japan’s cultural heritage. Let’s follow along to explore more exciting things about this special day!

When was Culture Day first introduced?

Culture Day was introduced in 1948 to promote and appreciate Japanese culture, arts, and academic achievements. Yet, its history dates back even further. The first time November 3rd was celebrated as a holiday was in 1868 to honor the birthday of Emperor Meiji, who helped modernize Japan.

After the Emperor passed away in 1912, the day was not celebrated for a while. However, it was called Meiji Setsu in 1927 to remember the Emperor’s legacy. Finally, it was renamed Culture Day in 1948 to highlight the importance of culture and the arts.

What do people usually do on Culture Day?

On Culture Day, many exciting activities happen all around the country. One of the main events on this day is the particular Order of Culture award ceremony held at the Imperial Palace. This ceremony is a big deal because people who have contributed to Japan’s traditions, creativity, and knowledge are recognized. These awards aren’t just for Japanese citizens; even famous astronauts and scholars worldwide have been honored.

Beyond the ceremony, Culture Day is filled with events and festivals. Many cities and towns hold parades and traditional festivals where you can see colorful costumes and vibrant performances. For example, there’s a fantastic Feudal Lord’s Parade in Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture, where people wear ancient Edo-period clothes.

Additionally, historical museums and art galleries offer free entry, allowing people to explore Japan’s history and arts. Numerous schools in Japan even host cultural festivals where students showcase their creativity through art and performances.

Are you looking for some great snacks to enjoy on Culture Day? Check out TokyoTreat! TokyoTreat delivers limited-edition Japanese noodles, drinks, snacks, and sweets right to your door so you can enjoy the latest Japanese treats directly from Japan!

Are there any fun things I can do on November 3rd?

Watch kendo!

Watching the All Japan Kendo Championships at the Nippon Budokan is one of the most thrilling activities to experience on Culture Day. Kendo is a traditional Japanese sport that is similar to fencing! This championship is regarded as Japan’s most esteemed kendo tournament, even more important than the World Kendo Championship.

It’s a highlight of the day and attracts top kendoka (kendo practitioners) from all over the country, making it an exciting event to witness! Also, the matches are genuinely intense! Watching the fighters’ sharp movements and strategies makes for a heart-pounding spectacle.

Go to an art gallery!

On November 3rd, many galleries across Japan will give you a perfect chance to discover traditional and modern Japanese art. They showcase different types of art, such as ancient ink paintings, modern digital art, and everything in between.

These galleries also feature various artworks, from colorful paintings and sculptures to intricate prints. You can also learn about renowned artists like Katsushika Hokusai, known for his woodblock prints, or Takashi Murakami, who blends pop culture with traditional techniques. 

Go to an air show!

The Iruma Air Show takes place at Iruma Air Base on November 3rd. The skies are usually bright and clear on this special day, perfect for admiring fantastic aircraft displays. Visitors can see diverse military planes from the Japan Self-Defense Forces up close, including helicopters from the police department. One of the biggest attractions is the performance by Blue Impulse, the well-known aerobatic team of the force. 

Check out the Hakone Feudal Lord’s Parade!

The Hakone Feudal Lord’s Parade is also known as Hakone Daimyo Gyoretsu. This lively event brings history to life as hundreds of participants dress up as princesses, samurai, and other historical figures. They march a distance of six kilometers through the streets of Yumoto. Moreover, some bands and dancers also perform unique dances celebrating the area’s hot springs.

The parade has its roots in a practice called sankin kotai, which was used during the Edo period (1603–1868) to stop feudal lords from rebelling against the shogunate. Feudal Lords had to travel to Edo every other year and keep residences in their home provinces and Edo. This way, the shogunate could limit their power and control potential uprisings. During the parade, samurai retainers proudly march, carrying traditional weapons and shouting. 

Why should I celebrate Culture Day this year?

Celebrating Culture Day is a great way to connect with Japan’s rich traditions and arts. It’s more than just a holiday; it’s a beautiful chance for people to experience the charm of Japanese culture through various exciting events, parades, and exhibitions.

You can experience everything from kendo matches to beautiful art galleries. Thus, you’ll indeed have the chance to learn about Japan’s history in a fun way! How do you plan to celebrate Culture Day in Japan? We’d love to hear your thoughts!