April 27, 2017 · mccsokinawa.com
Thomas Alan Smilie
G
olden Week is a string of holidays celebrated on April 29, May 3, 4 and 5. It is the longest vacation period for most Japanese workers and many Japanese companies shut down during these holidays. The phrase “Golden Week” originated in the film industry in 1948. After record ticket sales in late April and early May during that first official year of the holidays, film companies said it had been a “golden time.” Golden time was radio-speak for high listener ratings. The holiday period eventually came to be known as Golden Week. This celebratory season begins with Showa-noHi, or Showa Day on April 29, dedicated to the late
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Emperor Hirohito's birthday. After his death in 1989, the holiday became known as Midori-no-Hi, or Nature Day, which celebrates the environment because of Hirohito’s expertise in biology and love of nature. In 2007, the two holidays were separated, with Midori-no-Hi celebrated on May 4. May 3 is dedicated to Kenpo Kinen-bi, or Constitution Day. On that day in 1947, the new postwar constitution was put into effect, replacing the Meiji Constitution of 1889. The holiday is similar in concept to America’s celebration of July 4 as Independence Day. Kodomo-no-Hi, or Children’s Day, follows Midori-no-Hi on May 5. On this day, time is set
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aside to pray for the health, happiness, success and prosperity of Japan’s children. Observed since ancient times as a festival for boys (Girls Festival, or Hina Matsuri, is celebrated in March), Kodomo-no-Hi became a national holiday in 1948. Families will fly brilliantly colored streamers called koinobori and carp windsocks—the fish are a symbol of strength. Homes may also be decorated with warrior dolls called mushaningyō and helmets called kabuto. For more information on koinobori, flip to page 5. For more on local culture, stop by your nearest MFP-R Center or visit mccsokinawa.com/mfpr.
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