Shōwa Day honors the birthday of Emperor Shōwa (Hirohito), who reigned from 1926 to 1989. The day encourages reflection on Japan's journey through the Shōwa era, a time of war, recovery and remarkable growth. It marks the start of Golden Week, one of Japan's longest holiday periods, when people enjoy nature, visit parks and contemplate the nation's history and resilience.

When is Shōwa Day?

Shōwa Day in Japan is observed on April 29 each year.

The following is the list of Shōwa Day from 2020 to 2049.

The History of Shōwa Day?

Shōwa Day marks the birthday of Emperor Shōwa (Hirohito), who reigned from 1926 to 1989, one of the most eventful periods in modern Japanese history. The holiday is meant to encourage reflection on the Shōwa era, which encompassed Japan's militarization, World War II, postwar recovery, and emergence as an economic powerhouse.

Originally, April 29 was observed as Emperor's Birthday during Emperor Shōwa's lifetime. After his death in 1989 and the start of the Heisei era, the day was renamed Greenery Day (Midori no Hi) in 1989 to honor the Emperor's love of nature, while avoiding direct political or wartime associations.

However, in 2007, Japan officially reinstated April 29 as Shōwa Day, with Greenery Day moved to May 4. The purpose of the change was to encourage the Japanese people to look back thoughtfully on the Shōwa period and learn from its lessons, both its hardships and its achievements.

Today, Shōwa Day marks the beginning of Golden Week, a series of national holidays that provide time for relaxation, travel, and reflection. Many citizens visit Showa Kinen Park in Tokyo or participate in cultural and historical events that honor the resilience and transformation of Japan during the Shōwa era.