Greenery Day
|
|
Greenery day (Japanese: みどりの日 Midori no hi) is one of the holidays for Japanese citizens. It falls on April 29 till the year 2006, and from 2007, it will fall on May 4. Until 1989, it was the birthday of the Showa Emperor (Hirohito).
Since 1989, following the accession to the Chrysanthemum Throne of the current Emperor, the name "Birthday of the Emperor" was changed to "Greenery Day". As its name suggests, it is a day to commune with nature, to be thankful for blessings, and to foster an abundant spirit.
In 2007, Greenery Day will move to May 4, and April 29 will be changed to Showa Day in accordance with the revising of a law expected to be passed in the near future. The Showa Emperor reigned for 62 years and 2 weeks. On May 3, 1947, he became a symbol of Japan by the new constitution of the country.
Considered controversial even within Japan, this decision is likely to be resented by Japan's Asian neighbours who still harbour hostile feelings towards the country for its expansionist policies during the Second World War. Although this has been acknowledged by Chief Cabinet Secretary Hiroyuki Hosoda, the decision ultimately rests with the Diet.
See also
Template:Fest-stub
Template:Japan-stubja:みどりの日
nl:Dag van het natuurgroen
zh:綠之日