Greenery Day in Japan

Greenery Day (みどりの日, Midori no Hi) is a Japanese holiday dedicated to celebrating nature and being thankful for its blessings. It encourages people to commune with nature and be grateful for its richness.

History

The holiday was originally celebrated on April 29th, which was the birthday of Emperor Showa (Hirohito), as he had a fondness for plants and nature. After his death, the day continued to be associated with nature due to his love for plants. In 1989, the day was renamed "Greenery Day" but kept its date.

However, in 2007, as part of a series of changes to Japanese holidays known as the "Happy Monday System," Greenery Day was moved to May 4th. The April 29th holiday was subsequently changed to "Showa Day," in remembrance of Emperor Showa's reign.

Traditions

On Greenery Day, various events encouraging interaction with nature are held across Japan:

• Tree Planting: Communities engage in tree-planting ceremonies.
• Gardening: Families and individuals take time to tend their gardens.
• Nature Outings: Many people take advantage of the mild spring weather to go on hikes, visit parks or undertake trips to appreciate Japan's lush landscapes.

Public figures and environmental groups may also use this day to promote awareness about environmental issues.

Activities

• Cultural Events: Exhibits and festivals centered on nature are organized by local governments and private organizations.
• Environmental Conservation Activities: Clean-up campaigns or conservation initiatives may take place.

Greenery Day is part of Golden Week in Japan, one of the busiest holiday seasons. It's a time when many Japanese citizens travel domestically or abroad, making it a period of significant economic activity related to leisure and tourism.