National Foundation Day |
| National Foundation Day is a national holiday which was created by the National Holidays Act. This holiday falls on February 11th. Legend says that it was on February 11th that Jimmu, the first emperor of Japan, ascended the throne and started the nation. Before World War II February 11th was called Kigensetsu after this legend. The day was designated as a public holiday for the entire nation to celebrate the enthronement of Jimmu and the birth of Japan. This holiday was abolished by Japan's new constitution after the war which was written to prevent the rebirth of prewar imperialism. In 1966, however, the Japanese Government decided to designate this day as a national holiday again under the name of National Foundation Day. Since this holiday is strongly associated with nationalism, many people, fearing the restoration of prewar imperialism and militarism, are discussing whether or not it is right to designate this day as a national holiday. |