Greenery Day

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Greenery Day (みどりの日, Midori no hi^?) is a Japanese holiday. Between 1989 and 2006 it was held on April 29; from 2007 on, it is held on May 4. It was the birthday of Hirohito, the Shōwa Emperor.

Since 1989, following the accession to the Chrysanthemum Throne of the current Emperor Akihito, the name "Birthday of the Emperor" was changed to "Greenery Day". Officially, as its name suggests, it is a day to commune with nature, to be thankful for blessings, and to foster an abundant spirit.^{[citation needed]} The day was renamed to "Greenery Day" in reference to the controversial war-time Emperor's love for plants, but avoided directly mentioning his name.[1] However in practice it is seen as just another day that expands the Japanese Golden Week vacation.

In 2007, Greenery Day moved to May 4, and April 29 was changed to Shōwa Day in accordance with a 2005 revision of the law pertaining to public holidays. 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.

Some found the decision to re-introduce Shōwa Day controversial, claiming that it could raise anti-Japanese sentiment in Japan's neighbours who still harbour hostile feelings for Japan's expansionist policies during World War II.

It has no relation to Arbor Day, a similarly-themed day.

[edit] See also

• Golden Week (Japan)

[edit] External links

• Midori No Hi - Greenery Day Japan Guide
• Kids Web Japan
• Japan names day after Hirohito, BBC News, May 13, 2005

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