January 1 Bank Holiday in Japan ― Date, History, and Details
January 1 Bank Holiday in Japan may be something you want to learn more about, and we want to help with that.
Let's dive deeper into learning more about the history of January 1 Bank Holiday in Japan and why people celebrate or observe it.
History of January 1 Bank Holiday in Japan and How to Celebrate/ Observe It
In Japan, January 1 has been celebrated as a national holiday since 1948. The holiday was first established in order to commemorate the promulgation of the Constitution of Japan on May 3, 1947. It is one of the longest-running and most important holidays in Japan, and is commonly referred to as “Ganjitsu”, which translates to “New Year’s Day”.
The traditional way to observe Ganjitsu in Japan is by visiting a shrine or temple at midnight on New Year’s Eve and offering prayers for the coming year. This is usually followed by watching the first sunrise of the year, known as “hatsuhi no de”, and eating a traditional meal called “osechi ryori”. Many people also take part in other activities such as visiting friends and family, participating in special events, shopping and exchanging gifts.
Ganjitsu is an important day for reflecting on the past year and making resolutions for the future. It is also a time for families to come together, share stories and give thanks for what they have. To ensure a prosperous new year, many people also decorate their homes with festive decorations such as paper cranes, bamboo shoots and pine branches. By taking part in these activities, people in Japan can celebrate the start of a fresh and exciting year.