Act No. 178 of July 20, 1948 Act on National Holidays

Article 1 The people of Japan, who ceaselessly seek freedom and peace, hereby set aside specific days for national celebration, gratitude, or commemoration, naming them as "national holidays", with aim to create a superior society and more prosperous lives, all the while nurturing beautiful customs.

Article 2 (1) National holidays are defined as follows. New Year's Day: January 1. This day celebrates the beginning of the year. Coming-of-Age Day: The second Monday in January. This day celebrates young people who have reached adulthood and are determined to forge their own path in life. National Foundation Commemoration Day: Date specified by Cabinet Order. This day is for commemorating the founding of Japan and cultivating national pride. Emperor's Birthday: February 23. This day celebrates the Emperor's birthday. Vernal Equinox Day: The day of the vernal equinox. This day is for honoring nature and cherishing living beings. Showa Day: April 29. This day is for looking back on the Showa era, a period of recovery after tumultuous times, and contemplating the future of the country of Japan. Constitution Memorial Day: May 3. This day is for commemorating the implementation of the Constitution of Japan and anticipating the nation's continued growth. Greenery Day: May 4. This day is for getting acquainted with nature, expressing gratitude for its blessings, and cultivating a rich spirit. Children's Day: May 5. This day is for honoring the personality of children, working towards their happiness, and expressing gratitude to mothers. Marine Day: The third Monday in July. This day is for expressing gratitude for the blessings from the sea and hoping for the prosperity of Japan, a maritime nation. Mountain Day: August 11. This day is for seizing the opportunity to acquaint oneself with the mountains and expressing gratitude for their blessings. Respect for the Aged Day: The third Monday in September. This day is for honoring the elderly who have contributed to society over the years and celebrating their longevity. Autumnal Equinox Day: The day of the autumnal equinox. This day is for honoring ancestors and commemorating those who have passed away. Sports Day: The second Monday in October. This day is for enjoying sports, fostering a spirit of respect for others, and aspiring for a realization of a healthy and dynamic society. Culture Day: November 3. This day is for cherishing freedom and peace, and nurturing culture. Labor Thanksgiving Day: November 23. This day is for appreciating labor, celebrating productivity, and expressing mutual gratitude among citizens.

Article 3 (1) National holidays are to be considered as public holidays. (2) If a national holiday falls on a Sunday, the closest following day that is not a national holiday is to be considered as a public holiday. (3) A day (limited to a day that is not a national holiday) is to be considered as a public holiday, if the days preceding to and following that day are both originally national holidays.

Supplementary Provisions (1) This Act comes into effect on the date of promulgation. (2) Imperial Order No. 25 of 1927 is repealed. Supplementary Provisions (Effective Date) (1) This Act comes into effect on the date of promulgation. (Enactment of Cabinet Order designating the date to be recognized as National Foundation Commemoration Day) (2) The Cabinet Order designating the date to be recognized as National Foundation Commemoration Day as provided in Article 2 as amended is to be established within six months from the date of promulgation of this Act. (3) When planning to establish the Cabinet Order designating the date to be recognized as National Foundation Commemoration Day as provided in Article 2 as amended, the Prime Minister must consult with the Council for National Foundation Commemoration Day and respect its recommendation. Supplementary Provisions (Effective Date) (1) This Act comes into effect on the date of promulgation. Supplementary Provisions This Act comes into effect on the date of promulgation. Supplementary Provisions This Act comes into effect on the date of promulgation. Supplementary Provisions This Act comes into effect on January 1, 1996. Supplementary Provisions This Act comes into effect on January 1, 2000. Supplementary Provisions This Act comes into effect on January 1, 2003. Supplementary Provisions This Act comes into effect on January 1, 2007. Supplementary Provisions This Act comes into effect on January 1, 2016. Supplementary Provisions

(Effective Date) Article 1 (1) This Act comes into effect as of the date specified by Cabinet Order, within a period not exceeding three years from the date of promulgation; provided, however, that the provisions of Article 1, the provisions of the following paragraph of this Article, and the provisions of the following Article and Articles 8 and 9 of the Supplementary Provisions come into effect on the date of promulgation; and the provisions of Articles 10 and 11 of the Supplementary Provisions come into effect on the day after the effective date of this Act. (2) Before establishing the Cabinet Order referred to in the preceding paragraph, the Prime Minister must first consult with the Imperial House Council.

(Expiration of this Act) Article 2 This Act ceases to be effective if a succession to the Imperial Throne has occurred under the provisions of Article 4 of the Imperial House Act on or before the date on which this Act comes into effect.

Supplementary Provisions (Effective Date) (1) This Act comes into effect on January 1, 2020.