Green Day in Japan

The Japanese like to relax in nature. Especially in spring."Green Day" or, as sometimes translated, "Green Plant Day" until 2007 was celebrated in Japan on April 29. The "natural" name of the holiday is associated with the name of Emperor Shova and his deep love for wildlife.

Emperor Showa, the eldest son of Emperor Taisho, was born in Tokyo on April 29, 1901. After the death of Emperor Taisho on December 25, 1926, the crown prince was officially proclaimed the 124th Emperor of Japan. After World War II, under the Constitution of Japan, the Emperor was positioned as a symbol of the state and the unity of the people. Until his death in 1989, he symbolized the longest period of Japanese history, the Showa period. Despite the lack of real power, the Emperor leads an extremely active public life, receives foreign ambassadors and high delegations from abroad, pays return visits, takes part in scientific conferences, goes on trips to Japan. His trips were especially numerous after World War II, when he made every effort to morally support the spirit of the affected families.

An interesting fact is that during such trips of the Emperor around the country, spring tree planting festivals and autumn sports festivals were organized. The Emperor devoted the short hours of his business schedule to the study of marine biology, both plants and animals, and published numerous works in this field.

During the life of Emperor Hirohito, his birthday was a holiday and was listed in the Japanese calendar simply as "The Emperor's Birthday". After his death, his birthday remained a national holiday, but was officially renamed “Green Day”.

It is possible that “Green Day” is the only national holiday in the world, on which the Japanese do not attach importance to its meaning. Without giving much importance to the accuracy of the date, since 2007, “Green Day” in Japan is celebrated on May 4.

But even if you do not associate the name of the holiday with the name of Emperor Shova, it is safe to say that the “green” name best conveys the atmosphere of late spring in Japan. At the beginning of May, the country is truly immersed in greenery and flowers. Official data indicate that forest and parklands occupy 70% of Japan. By this day, luxurious white and pink cherry trees have already bloomed in the ancient capital of Japan, Kyoto, and in the current metropolis – Tokyo. Its flowering is now admired by residents of the northern prefectures of the island of Honshu. The Japanese are very fond of this sunny season and certainly use the opportunity to relax with the whole family or friendly company in the park, by the sea or in the mountains.

His Majesty's name is Hirohito. The eternal title, Emperor Showa, was given to the Emperor after his death.