March 15 is a holiday in Japan. Unusual holidays in Japan

Japan is a country rich in holidays. Here almost every day there is some kind of solemn event. Holidays in Japan are accompanied by games, competitions, dances, singing, processions, performances.

Numerous holidays according to their content and origin can be divided into groups: national, state, religious, traditional.

Ancient agricultural festivals occupy a significant place in the Japanese calendar. Holidays associated with the cultivation of rice are the most colorful. A number of holidays of contemplation of nature gave rise to the originality of oriental aesthetics.

Many holidays are dedicated to children. Hina Matsuri is the most famous of them.

But the Japanese, who love fun, relaxation and plentiful feasts, could not manage only national holidays legalized by the state. They also have Matsuri. Matsuri are various festive processions, chants, traditional dances, fireworks,. so each city has its own traditional holidays - matsuri.

Public holidays in Japan

Officially, there are 15 public holidays in Japan. National holidays in Japan include: New Year's Day (January 1), Coming of Age Day (January 15), State Foundation Day (February 11), Spring Equinox Day (March 21), Greenery Day (April 29), Constitution Day (May 3), Rest Day (May 4), Children's Day (May 5), Honoring the Aged (September 15), Autumn Equinox Day (September 21), Athlete's Day (October 10), Culture Day (November 3), Labor Day (November 23), Emperor Akihito's birthday (December 23).

In Japan, in addition to the state, a large number of religious and traditional holidays are celebrated, as well as all kinds of local festivals are held. Let's consider the most significant and bright holidays.

Hanami Festival - Cherry Blossoms

The main spring event in Japan is the cherry blossom, which the Japanese call - hanami. This ancient Japanese tradition of looking at flowers dates back to the 7th century.

The Sakura Festival in Japan is not an official holiday, but for the Japanese it is very important and significant. A huge number of people visit and spend their time in parks, squares and alleys during the cherry blossom days. Since the cherry blossom period is relatively short (about two weeks), they are admired both in the daytime and in the evening. Evening viewing is especially popular.

The time of blooming of the first flowers on sakura, growing in Yasukuni in an ancient Buddhist temple, is considered to be the official starting point. Meteorological services immediately begin to notify how the very first pink flowers appear from the buds. Approximate time for the city of Tokyo and its environs is the end of March.

Ume (Japanese plum) is the first to start this "procession" of flowers. Sakura starts to bloom after umami.

Setsubun are four special days in the Japanese calendar separating spring, summer, autumn and winter from each other. On these days, the Japanese perform purification rites. Spring Eve, the time when nature wakes up, is the most important of the four holidays.

The Spring Festival is famous for its amusing rituals. The main purpose of such rituals is to ensure prosperity in the next year and the expulsion of evil spirits. During the festival, on the doors of every house you can see a hanging sprig of osmanthus, famous for its pungent smell and thorns.

Sweet white beans are the main attributes of the holiday. Many rites of purification are associated with them in Japan. First, the beans are heavily roasted over a fire, and then they are scattered around various rooms, and especially in dark corners.

The cult of the genital organs as a symbol of offspring and fertility has existed since ancient times in many countries. Japanese Shinto is no exception here. At the same time, the theme of the phallus in the modern era is perceived in Japan, in contrast to Europe, as a natural thing, devoid of any vulgarity.

So, on the territory of the country there are many temples where the worship of female and male organs is carried out. At the same time, this procession is not hidden, but on the contrary, it is carried out with the organization of mass festivals, which gather thousands of people. Kanayami is one such temple.

A fertility festival called "Honen Matsuri" is held annually in mid-March and is celebrated throughout the country. The Japanese (usually childless women and men) go to the procession, holding wooden penises of various sizes in their hands, asking them to send them a good harvest, sexual strength and many children.

Shinto shrine attendants open mass ceremonies with a Young Miko dance.

On this day, the Japanese drink a lot of sake, as this drink is considered to be a symbol of the harvest. Participants buy various souvenirs and food in the form of phalluses.

The Kanto Matsuri Festival is one of the most colorful and spectacular festivals in Japan. It is celebrated annually from 4 to 7 August in the northeast of the country in the city of Tohoku. This tradition originated in the Edo period (mid-18th century). Then the peasants suffered from diseases and hunger. And Kanto Matsuri that holiday when people asked for a good harvest, long life and health. Special designs were made for the holiday: many lanterns were hung on bamboo branches. These designs had their own name - Kanto. A sprouted rice sprout symbolized each Kanto.

In the 19th century, the Lantern Festival gained great popularity. So, processions with lanterns began to take place on the streets of the city. The culmination of the festival was that each participant carrying Kanto tried to lift it as high as possible. And today, a very important role is played not by how the participants can raise their Kanto quickly and high, but by how they will do it.

The Lantern Festival usually starts when evening falls in the city. Thousands of people leave their homes to admire the solemn procession. Men carrying huge Kanto, to the sound of music and the screams of the audience, demonstrate extraordinary skills of dexterity and balance: they climb onto each other's shoulders, while not letting go of the Kanto from their hands, put it on their foreheads, throw poles from their hands to their hips and much more. The participants of the festival really work wonders.

Very important for maintaining balance is the location of the flashlights. Therefore, the design must always be symmetrical. The lanterns depict the professions of the owner of Kanto, as well as symbols of the area.

Usually about three thousand people take part in the festive procession, who are carried in the hands of 200 large Shiites.

One of the oldest and most important holidays in Japan is the Chrysanthemum Festival, which is celebrated on the 9th lunar month. It was the ninth lunar month in the traditional Japanese calendar that was called the month of chrysanthemums.

The chrysanthemum flower occupies a special place in the life of the Japanese. The chrysanthemum is the symbol of the Japanese imperial house. The image of this flower can be seen on the covers of Japanese passports, on the attributes of politicians, on the premises of the parliament, in diplomatic institutions, on coins, on the imperial seal. Also, this flower is considered to be a symbol of longevity.

During the Chrysanthemum Festival, Japanese florists create huge dolls from live chrysanthemums. Basically, these are characters of literary works, legendary heroes and real historical figures.

Also on this day, various dishes and drinks from chrysanthemums are prepared: wine, tinctures, salads, flower-shaped sweets and much more.

One of the main holidays in Japan is the Hina Matsuri or Doll Festival. It is celebrated on March 3rd. The exhibition lasts for about a month.

Several different traditions underlie the celebration of the Girls' Day. So, one of them belongs to the Hean era. On this day, in noble families, special prayers were performed by spellcasters, which were aimed at ensuring that all the misfortunes and troubles of people were transferred to paper dolls. After carrying out such rituals, paper dolls were allowed to float on the sea or along the river. The Japanese called such dolls Nagashi-bina.

Initially, the holiday was celebrated among the military class and at court. But in a fairly short period of time, it has spread among the people. And in the 18th century, the holiday was recognized as a national one. At this time, a new custom was added, which was as follows: in those houses where the girls lived, exhibitions of richly dressed dolls were held, which depicted the customs of the life of the imperial palace.

And this custom has been preserved to this day. But now these are not paper dolls, but real masterpieces of art, dressed in luxurious silk clothes and made of ceramics.

Usually Hina dolls are not intended for everyday play. They are exhibited on a special shelf in the central room of the house, and they are simply admired. Some sets of dolls are very expensive and can be passed down in a family from one generation to the next.

Usually a new set of dolls is bought when a girl is born in the family. The set is then completed with dolls donated by their relatives and friends.

As a rule, this set should include at least 15 dolls, which are dressed in multi-layered ancient clothes made of red material. Dolls depicting the empress and the emperor in ancient silk ceremonial attire are the most valuable and richly decorated.

There is also such a belief that dolls cannot be exhibited for a long time, otherwise the desired hour of marriage will be farther away. Therefore, all items are packed and stored until the next exhibition. By March 3, the rooms where doll exhibitions take place are also decorated. Balls of artificial tangerine and cherry blossoms are suspended from the ceiling. Also, each ball is decorated with hanging silk ribbons.

On this day, girls dressed in elegant kimonos visit each other, give gifts, admire dolls, treat them with special sweets. So girls in a relaxed playful way learn the rules of good manners, the ability to take care of valuable things, concepts of character traits, and so on.

Currently, Japan celebrates 15 public holidays, for which there are official days off. Holidays that fall on weekends are transferred to business days.

Japan also celebrates many traditional and borrowed, unofficial holidays that are not days off. Some Japanese holidays were canceled during World War II but restored later.

This article collects the holidays in Japan by month of the year and gives their names in Japanese. It also provides a description of the holidays, their attributes and festive dishes.

Japanese holidays in January

New Year

(ganjitsu 元日). January 1st according to the Gregorian calendar. Public holiday, several days off. The Japanese give each other gifts and greeting cards. Previously, the new year in Japan was celebrated according to the lunar calendar.

New Year's Eve in Japan is called omisoka 大晦日 [Ōmisoka]. At this time, the Japanese are preparing for the new year. They clean houses, prepare dishes for the New Year's table, buy gifts.

On New Year's Eve, the Japanese put up decorations made from pine, bamboo and plum branches at the entrance to the house. On the New Year's table, there are always cakes made from glutinous rice mochi 餅, as well as dishes in osechi-ryori おせち料理 boxes in which several tiers are separated from each other, each tier has its own dish, for example, it can be rice, caviar, soybeans , algae, fish, etc. On the eve of the new year, the Japanese make rice balls that lie on the family altar for several days, then break them and make soup from them. In Japan, it is customary to celebrate the dawn on the first day of the new year.

coming of age holiday

(seijin nohi 成人の日). Public holiday, second Monday in January. Celebrated by everyone who turned 20 last year (the age of majority in Japan). From the age of majority in Japan, you can vote, drink alcohol and smoke.

In many cities in Japan, every 20-year-old citizen receives an invitation to solemn gatherings, at which memorable gifts are presented.

Japanese holidays in February

Lunar New Year's Eve

(setsubun 節分). Traditional holiday celebrated on February 3rd. It is customary to scatter beans around the house in order to ward off evil spirits. And you also need to eat as many beans as your age, this guarantees health for the whole year.

Lunar New Year

(risshun 立春). Traditional holiday, celebrated on February 4th. This day is considered the beginning of spring.

Founding Day of Japan

(kenkokukinen nohi 建国記念の日). National holiday, 11 February. Official holiday since 1873. Celebrated to commemorate the ascension to the throne of the first Emperor of Japan, Jimmu. He is in 660 BC. founded the Japanese state.

Valentine's Day, a borrowed unofficial holiday, is celebrated on February 14. Oddly enough, in Japan on this holiday, only the fair sex gives gifts to men. Usually it's chocolate. There are different chocolates for colleagues, for friends and for lovers. Lovers are often given homemade chocolate or more meaningful gifts. Exactly one month later, another holiday is celebrated in Japan, during which men can thank their beloved with gifts in return.

Japanese holidays in March

Puppet Festival

(hina matsuri 雛祭り). It is also called the Day of the Girls, the Feast of the First Day of the Snake, the Feast of the Peach Blossom. The traditional holiday is celebrated on March 3rd. This is a holiday for little girls. Families with girls have doll shows. Dolls, often very expensive, passed down from generation to generation, are displayed on a three-, five-, or seven-tiered stand, upholstered in red cloth. The girls dress up in kimonos and visit each other.

White Day(howaitoday ホワイトデー , transcription from English white day). Unofficial holiday, March 14th. The representatives of the stronger sex give white chocolate to women in gratitude for gifts on Valentine's Day.

The vernal equinox(shumbun nohi 春分の日). Public holiday, celebrated on March 21, and in leap years on March 20. The period three days before and three days after the spring and autumn equinoxes is called higan 彼岸. It is believed that spring completely takes the reins of government into its own hands, sakura begins to bloom. At this time, the Japanese go to nature, and also visit the graves of their ancestors.

Japanese holidays in April

Buddha's birthday or flower festival (hana matsuri 花祭). Unofficial Buddhist holiday celebrated on April 8th. In Buddhist temples, they set up an altar decorated with flowers, inside of which a statuette of the newborn Buddha is placed. The Buddha figurine is poured with tea brewed from hydrangea leaves. This is related to the legend of the birth of Buddha. According to legend, he was born in a flower forest, and a dragon sprinkled hydrangea tea on his head. It is believed that hydrangea tea prepared by monks on the eve of the holiday has magical powers and can heal from ailments.

Showa Day(Showanohi 昭和の日 ). A public holiday celebrated on the birthday of Emperor Showa (Hirahito) on April 29. Emperor Hirahito ruled during World War II. After his death, this holiday began to be called the day of greenery. Since 2007, Greenery Day has been moved to May 4th, and April 29th has become Showa Day again. This holiday is considered a day of admiring nature, as Emperor Showa was a connoisseur of nature.

April 29 marks the start of Golden Week (Ōgata renkyū, Ōgata renkyū) in Japan. It's a bunch of holiday weekends. In addition to Showa Day, the Golden Week includes Greenery Day, Constitution Day, and Children's Day. Golden Week runs from April 29 to May 5.

Japanese holidays in May

Constitution day(kenpokinenbi 憲法記念日). Public holiday, celebrated on May 3 since 1947.

greenery festival(midorinohi みどりの日 ). Public holiday, celebrated on May 4th.

Children's Day(kodomonohi 子供の日). It is also called the holiday of the first day of the horse and the holiday of irises. National holiday, celebrated on May 5th. It used to be a boys' holiday. On the eve of this holiday, families with boys hang flags in the form of carps on the street, as the carp is considered a symbol of courage and strength. There are as many flags as there are boys in the family.

Mothers Day, a borrowed unofficial holiday, has been celebrated since 1913 on the second Sunday in May. Mothers are given gifts, cards and flowers.

Japanese holidays in June

father's day, a borrowed unofficial holiday, is celebrated on the third Sunday of June. Children give gifts to their fathers.

Japanese holidays in July

Star Festival(tanabata 七夕). Unofficial holiday, July 7th. According to legend, on this night the separated stars of Shepherd (Altair) and Spinner (Vega) meet. This night, they make wishes, write them on narrow strips of paper and tie them to bamboo stalks. If it rains, then it is believed that the stars failed to meet that night and wishes will not come true this year.

sea ​​festival(umi nohi 海の日). Public holiday celebrated on the third Monday in July. The bathing season begins with this holiday.

Japanese holidays in August

Ancestral Day or Lantern Festival (obon お盆). Non-state Buddhist holiday. Most of the country celebrates it from 13 to 15 August. Despite the fact that obon is not a public holiday, many businesses close for obon celebrations. It is believed that ancestors return to earth to visit their relatives. Lanterns are lit in the streets so that they can find their way home.

Japanese holidays in September

Day of respect for the elders(keironohi 敬老の日). Public holiday, third Monday in September. It is customary to congratulate the elderly and give them gifts.

autumnal equinox(shubun nohi 秋分の日). Public holiday, celebrated around September 23rd. Similar to the vernal equinox festival, the period of three days before and after the autumnal equinox is called autumn higan. At this time, the Japanese perform memorial services, and also visit the graves of their ancestors.

Japanese holidays in October

Day of Physical Education or Sports(taikunohi 体育の日). Public holiday celebrated on the second Monday in October. It began to be celebrated on the anniversary of the opening of the Olympic Games in Tokyo (1964). A variety of sports competitions, relay races, mass morning exercises and other sporting events are held.

Japanese holidays in November

Culture Day(bunkanohi 文化の日 ). National holiday, 3 November. In Tokyo, awards are given to cultural figures. Museums hold open days. Various cultural events are held at the institutes.

City-go-san(七五三 "seven-five-three"). Non-state holiday, celebrated on November 15. Girls and boys at the age of three, boys at the age of five, and girls at the age of seven attend temples with their parents. In addition to the fact that seven, five and three are lucky numbers in Japan, these numbers are associated with the holiday because earlier in Japan children stopped shaving their heads at three years old, at five years old boys could wear hakama pants, and girls at seven years old for the first time tied an obi belt. After visiting the temple, parents buy a longevity candy for their children. It comes packaged with symbols of long life such as the tortoise or the stork.

thanksgiving labor day(kinrokansha nohi 勤労感謝の日). National holiday, 23 November. It is a kind of professional holiday for workers of all types of labor activity.

Japanese holidays in December

Emperor's birthday(Tenno tanjiobi 天皇誕生日 ). National holiday, 23 December. It has been celebrated since 1989, since the current Emperor of Japan, Akihito, inherited the throne after the death of his father. On this holiday, the Imperial Palace is open to the public.

Christmas(kurisumasu クリスマス , transcription from English Christmas). Borrowed unofficial holiday, December 24-25. The attributes of the celebration of Christmas in Japan are the same as in Europe: chants, Santa Claus, garlands and a Christmas cake.

In addition to the holidays described above, there are many festivals and other festive events throughout the year in Japan. For example, night fireworks festival in August, snow festival in sapporo from February 6, cherry blossom festival since March 26, full moon festival in September, sake festival in October, book week in November and others. A memorable date is also celebrated on August 15 - the day of remembrance for the victims of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima (August 6, 1945) and Nagasaki (August 9, 1945).

Public holidays in Japan in 2015

Golden Week (Constitution Day, Greenery Day, Children's Day) from May 3 to May 5, 3 days off.

Japan has always stood out from the list of countries that are distinguished by high rates of economic development. This eastern state successfully fights against any crises and cataclysms. This happens, among other things, thanks to the hard work, as well as the diligence of its citizens. Purposefulness, ideology and responsibility are brought up in Japan from a very early age. It is no coincidence that the management systems developed in this country are recognized throughout the world as the most effective, which is why they are used as a benchmark in many large enterprises.

Features of employment

Immigrants who come to Japan have to join the excessive requirements of the employer and the peculiar national mentality. For those who do not wish to do this, the company quickly finds a replacement.

The Japanese most often get a job for life. That is, having come to the enterprise as a young man, they are in his staff until their retirement. If you want to find a job in another company, the new employer will take into account the time of the previous continuous contract.

Japan is considered a country that is quite closed to immigrants. After all, when applying for a highly paid prestigious job, you will need not only to be a true professional, but also to have a fairly high level of knowledge of the Japanese language. But, of course, when considering candidates for a vacant position, preference will always be given to the indigenous people of the country. In order to get a job in Japan, you will need to prove your extraordinary abilities. And for this, confirming high documents will obviously not be enough. It is recommended to prepare the brightest self-created projects in advance by translating them into Japanese so that they can be presented.

Occupation rating

What kind of specialists does the labor market of the Land of the Rising Sun need today? Jobs in Japan can be easily found by:

1. IT specialists. It is quite easy to explain the demand for such professions in a country that is a leader in the development of electronic technologies. However, an immigrant should already prepare in advance for a big competition. The fact is that Japan has a lot of its own professionals. The most demanded specialties from this category are project managers and developers.
2. Designers and architects. It is enough just to get a job in Japanese companies and good specialists from this field. Moreover, employers are happy to attract professionals from among immigrants for cooperation. It is worth noting that in this regard, this is one of the few categories of specialists that deserve such a favorable attitude towards themselves.
3. Trade professionals. The most popular specialty in this category are sales managers. Japanese firms and sales representatives, freight forwarders and other workers in this field are invited. However, it should be borne in mind that in order to fill a vacancy, you will need not only work experience in your specialty, but also an excellent command of the Japanese language.
4. Management staff. Such employees form the backbone of Japanese business. The fact is that obtaining the evolutionary results of economic development is impossible without proper planning of the forces and time of workers. In this regard, Japanese employers highly value specialists in recruitment, planning and management. However, it should be borne in mind that in this area, the indigenous people of the country are still easier to navigate. But at the same time, foreign experience in implementing modern management systems may also be of interest to the employer.
5. Marketing and PR specialists. Advertising is the engine of progress. The Japanese do not neglect this rule either. In addition to project managers, managers working in this direction are in demand in the country. However, only the person who, in addition to experience, will be fluent in Japanese, will be able to work in the advertising field.
6. Electronics. For Japanese employers, specialists who are able to work in the production of household appliances, road vehicles, shipbuilding and instrument making are of particular value.
7. Production personnel. Many large Japanese companies operating in the food and pharmaceutical industries, machine tool building and mechanical engineering need such specialists. So far, in this country, full automation of production is a prospect for the future. That is why immigrants will always be able to find work for themselves in any factory. Here, as a rule, technicians and operators for automated production lines are required. However, despite the fact that specialists in this category can quite successfully find employment in the country, it is necessary to clarify the requirements that the employer imposes on candidates. Often, they are required to have a degree in technical education.
8. Consultants and teachers. These specialists are also in demand in the state. Here you can even get a job as a teacher of the Russian language. But lately there have been a lot of applicants for such a vacancy, so you have to wait for a suitable place for years. English teachers can get jobs in Japan without any problems. However, if their place of work is educational institutions, then a license to teach will be required from the specialist.
9. Accountants and financiers. No organization can do without these workers. That is why they are also included in the category of the most in-demand professions in Japan. But knowledge of the language for people who decide to apply for such a vacancy is a prerequisite.
10. Pharmacists and healthcare professionals. This category of specialists in Japan is considered one of the most privileged. Most clinics in the country are private. Thanks to this, the salary of a medical worker in Japan is approaching 760,000 yen in one month. In terms of dollars, this amount will be 6400. However, it is almost impossible for an immigrant to get a job as a doctor in this country. The fact is that diplomas from other countries confirming the receipt of this profession are not quoted in Japan. To obtain permission to work as a doctor, you will need to graduate from a medical school directly in this country.

Work mentality

Every resident of Japan certainly follows the traditions that have developed in the country for many centuries. If we consider the attitude of the indigenous population of the country to work, then it can be noted that it has certain qualities. Among them are politeness and loyalty, personal responsibility, as well as the ability to work effectively within a certain work team.

The main goal of the Japanese is to benefit the company, while working as a kind of cog in one well-coordinated large mechanism. Individuality in this country is not welcome. Those loners who are guided by the principle "my hut is on the edge" have no chance of success. Highly educated, but at the same time ambitious people are less valuable personnel for leadership than those who, albeit not so educated, but at the same time show patience and are open to compromise. Why is this happening? Yes, simply because the Japanese do not believe that money can be given to people in simple ways. He who does not work hard, they will not respect.

By the way, many Europeans complain that their life practically passes at work. But is it? How long is the working day in Japan? This should be clarified in advance to those who decided to take one of the vacancies in this country.

Start of the working day

Daily weekdays begin with the inhabitants of Japan with a trip. They hurry to the place of work, using, as a rule, public transport. Most residents of this state refuse to use a car. They do this to save money. After all, the maintenance of a personal car will cost them about 10 thousand dollars. And that's just for one month! And is it worth it to use a private car in a country that has the best public transport system on our planet?

However, in large cities, the Japanese pay for such savings with tedious trips to work in wagons that are 200% full of their estimated capacity. Nevertheless, such a morning ritual does not at all cause irritation among the indigenous inhabitants of the country, which they would have taken out on a neighbor.

Coming to work

The Japanese begin with a kind of ritual. It includes more than just greetings to superiors and colleagues. The ritual of starting the day includes the joint chanting of various inspiring sayings and slogans by employees. Only after that you can start performing production tasks.

What time does a working day start in Japan? Officially, most companies in the country have the same schedule. It provides for the beginning of the working day at 9 o'clock, and its end at 18 o'clock. Nevertheless, most Japanese people arrive at their workplace at least half an hour earlier. It is believed that the employee needs time to tune in to work.

Currently, many corporations have introduced a system of temporary cards. What does she represent? Each employee has a special card. It must be lowered into the device installed in front of the entrance upon arrival at work and at the time of leaving it. The card reflects the time that affects wages in Japan. Some firms deduct one hour of work for being 1 minute late. There are corporations when in this case the employee will not be given a salary for the whole day.

Work days

How long is a working day in Japan? Officially 8 o'clock. There is also a lunch break in the country. Its duration is 1 hour. Thus, the standard work contract specifies 40 hours per week.

However, the length of the working day in Japan, as a rule, exceeds these limits. This is influenced by another tradition of the inhabitants of the country. The fact is that climbing the career ladder is of great importance for them. And climbing these steps, as a rule, does not depend at all on the qualifications and ingenuity of the employee, but on the amount of time during which he does not leave his chair. It is because of this that the length of the working day in Japan is far from official. Employees often stay late to complete assignments in the evenings. In this regard, the duration of the working day in Japan sometimes reaches 12 hours. Moreover, the inhabitants of the country do this mainly on their own initiative. In addition, despite the fact that the working week in Japan lasts only five days, employees come to the company on Saturdays. And this is also most often their own desire.

A bit of history

The beginning of the increase in the average working day in Japan was facilitated by the rather low wages that the population of the country received in the 1970s. Employees did everything to increase their earnings. That is why they sought to get extra money for overtime hours. This trend continued into the 1980s. And this despite the fact that a period has come when Japan entered the list of the most highly developed economic countries, taking second place there. The inhabitants of the country did not change the established tradition in the late 1990s. At this time, the length of the working day in Japan was long due to the outbreak of the crisis. In order to successfully overcome it, companies began to carry out internal reforms, rebuilding their organizational system. At the same time, workers stayed at work, trying not to get laid off. At the same time, companies began to hire temporary employees working without any guarantees and bonuses. Such a move made the existence of people in the state even more unbearable.

Today, no one is embarrassed by the length of the working day of 12 or more hours. As a rule, no one forces people to stay late in the evenings, but they believe that they are obliged to do so.

Karoshi

It is not uncommon for workers in Japan to stay at their jobs, fearing that they will be thought of as specialists who do not have time to fulfill their duties. Moreover, in solving any production problem, a resident of this country strives to be a necessary link in one common chain of a corporation. The main thing for him is to work in such a way that the working group, of which he is a member, completes the task assigned to it within the minimum time and in the optimal mode. This is one of the reasons for the emergence of overtime. In addition, each employee, showing solidarity with his colleagues, seeks to provide them with all possible assistance, which, in his opinion, they really need. This is how overtime passes in Japanese companies, which today is not paid.

Such a busy schedule leads to the fact that in the country there are often cases of death due to overwork or suicide. And all this happens right at the workplace. A similar phenomenon in Japan even got its name - "karoshi", it is considered the official reason for the death of a person from life.

Unusual tradition

The stressful working conditions in Japan call for some relaxation. This led to the emergence of an unusual tradition, which in the country is called "inemuri". It represents a dream or a kind of quiet hour during work. During this time, the person continues to remain upright. In this case, sleep for the Japanese is not only a sign of hard work. It indicates the diligence of the employee and his dedication.

However, those who just got a job should not try to fall asleep on it. Inemuri is the privilege of superiors. An employee does not have the right to sleep in front of a more qualified colleague. The only exceptions are processing that takes place after the end of the official working day. At this time, a person can sleep for 20 minutes, but with the condition that he continues intensive work after his awakening.

Holidays

As you can see, the Japanese are literally working hard. Their daily routine and work system for Europeans seem simply inhumane. After reading these facts, the question immediately arises: “Is there a vacation in Japan?”. Officially yes. According to the legislation in force in the country, it lasts 10 days and must be provided once a year. However, having studied the Japanese mentality, one can understand that the Japanese will not rest for such a long time. And indeed it is. It is not customary for residents of the country to fully use their vacation. This does not allow them to do the existing traditions. In the culture of the country it is considered: using days of rest, a person by this indicates that he is lazy and does not support the work of the whole team.

The Japanese compensate for their holidays with national holidays, of which there are quite a lot in the country.

Wage level

What is the wage rate in Japan? Its level will directly depend on the position of the employee and his profession. So, an immigrant who has taken one of the vacancies, at the initial stage, must count on a salary that is less than that of the indigenous population. It can be from 1400 to 1800 dollars within a month. Over time, a skilled worker will receive more. His average salary will be $2,650.

Experienced lawyers, lawyers, pilots and doctors earn between 10,000 and 12,000 dollars in Japan. Even the most highly developed European countries cannot boast of such a monthly salary.

Taking a well-deserved rest

Japan's social security system has been in place since 1942. It allows people to retire when they reach 65 years of age. This rule applies to both sexes.

Pension in Japan is paid from the Social Security Fund. To date, his assets reach 170 trillion yen.

The average social pension in Japan is $700. Professional is calculated on the basis of the system in which the person worked. Thus, civil servants receive, being retired, 2/5 of their previous salary. For other employees, the amount of payments is determined based on the amount they have accumulated. It consists of monthly deductions from the salary (5%). The employer also contributes to the savings fund of a particular person. The company also makes monthly contributions to the pension fund of its employee.

Japan is a country where people not only work well, but also have a good rest. Holidays in Japan are divided into two categories: public holidays - shukujitsu, of which there are 15, and matsuri - of which there are more than 200 throughout the country, and in addition, each region or prefecture has its own local holidays and festivals.

Public holidays in Japan are regulated by the Public Holidays Law, passed in 1948. After the Second World War, many names of the holidays changed as Japan began to position itself as a secular state. But these holidays are based on Shinto, Buddhism or important events that happened to the imperial family. The law stipulates that if a holiday falls on a Sunday, then it is transferred to Monday, and if there is one working day between two holidays, then this day becomes a day off. That day was May 4, a day in the middle of the holidays, then the holiday was moved to this day from April 29 - the day of greenery.

Starting in 2000, Japan introduced the so-called Happy Monday system, which is when public holidays are moved to Monday to make a three-day weekend (for those who work 5 days a week). There are four such holidays in Japan, this is the day of majority, the day of the sea, the day of honoring the elderly and the day of health and sports.

In 2014, the holiday calendar is as follows:

1. March 21 - Spring equinox
2. July 21 (3rd Monday of July) - Day of the Sea
3. September 15 (3rd Monday of September) - Honor the Aged Day
4. September 23 - Autumn Equinox Day
5. October 13 (2nd Monday of October) - Health and Sports Day
6. November 3 - Culture Day
7. November 23 - Labor Day

Apart from public holidays, in the event that mourning or solemn events occur in the current year in the imperial family, these days are also declared days off. There have been only four such days since the introduction of the law on public holidays:

• 04/10/1959 - Marriage of Crown Prince Akihito
• February 24, 1989 - Burial of Emperor Showa
• 11/12/1990 - the official enthronement ceremony (public proclamation of the heir to the imperial throne of Japan as the new monarch) of Emperor Akihito
• 06/09/1993 - Marriage of Crown Prince Naruhito

The second type of holidays - matsuri takes place on a larger scale and includes certain rituals, processions, festivals. Many festivals have their roots in Chinese festivals, but have been changed to suit local customs so much that there is nothing more in common other than the name and date of its holding. Local holidays (festivals) in Japan are called Tobato Gion, they are mostly unknown outside this prefecture.

For your information, the Japanese do not celebrate Chinese New Year at all.

Festivals in Japan are often based around a single event, with temples and shrines often playing a major role. Festivals are essentially entertainment of people with their involvement in the history of the holiday. At such events, there are necessarily processions (including carnival ones), festive entertainment events, fairs and kiosks with various dishes.

In this article, you will find Japanese national holidays and some of the most important annual national events. In addition, annual festivals are also listed here.

Like ours, if a national holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is also considered a holiday. Similarly, a day that is between two national holidays becomes a public holiday.

Shops, restaurants and tourist , as a rule, are open on national holidays, except for the New Year.

Holidays in Japan in January

January 1 (national holiday) - (shogatsu). This is the most important holiday in Japan. Although only January 1st is designated as a national holiday, many businesses remain closed until January 3rd.

Second Monday of January (national holiday) - Coming of Age Day in Japan (seijin no hi). This holiday is dedicated to those Japanese and Japanese women who have recently entered adulthood (who are 20 years old) and have become full members of society.

Holidays in Japan in February

February 3 - Beginning of Spring (Setsubun). is not a national holiday, but is celebrated in temples throughout the country.

February 11 (national holiday) - (kenkoku kinenbi). According to the oldest Japanese chronicles, on this day in 660 BC. The first Japanese emperor was crowned.

The 14th of February - Women give chocolate to men on Valentine's Day. This is not a national holiday, but borrowed from Western countries.

Holidays in Japan in March

March 3 - (hina matsuri). On this day, families with girls wish their daughters a successful and happy life. The dolls are displayed prominently in the house, along with peach blossoms.

The opposite of Valentine's Day: Men give cakes or chocolates to women. This is not a national holiday.

March 20 or 21 (national holiday) - Spring Equinox Day (shunbun no hi). During the week (ohigan - 3 days before and 3 days after the spring equinox) it is customary to visit the graves of deceased relatives.

Holidays in Japan in April

April 29-May 5 - Golden Week. Along with New Year and Obon, Golden Week is one of the major holidays in Japan as it includes four public holidays during the week (Showa Day, Constitution Day, Greenery Day, Children's Day).

April 29 (national holiday) - Showa Day (Showa no hi). Birthday of the previous Showa Emperor, who passed away in 1989. Prior to 2007, April 29 was known as Greenery Day (now celebrated on May 4). Showa Day is part of Golden Week.

Holidays in Japan in May

May 3 (national holiday) - Constitution Day (kenpo kinenbi). National holiday, commemorates the anniversary of the adoption of the new constitution, which was adopted after the Second World War on May 3, 1947.

May 4 (national holiday) - Day of greenery (Day of the spring awakening of Nature) (midori no hi). Until 2006, Greenery Day was celebrated on April 29, the birthday of Emperor Seva, due to the emperor's love for plants and nature.

May 13 - Mother's Day. On this day, many children buy flowers for their mother. According to Japanese flower meanings, red carnations are considered the best gift for mom. In schools across Japan, children draw pictures of their mother on this day.

Holidays in Japan in June

There are no holidays in June in Japan as it is the rainy season and the wedding season.

Holidays in Japan in July

July 7 - Star Festival (tanabata). is a traditional Japanese holiday, not a public holiday.

Third Monday in July (national holiday) - Day of the Sea (umi no hi). Newly introduced national holiday. This day marks the return of Emperor Meiji from a boat trip to Hokkaido in 1876.

Holidays in Japan in August

August 11 (national holiday) - Mountain Day (yama no hi). Introduced in 2016, this national holiday is dedicated to the mountains.

Holidays in Japan in September

Third Monday in September (national holiday) - Day of Respect for the Elderly (keiro no hi). On this national holiday, it is customary to show respect for the elderly and longevity. The holiday appeared in 1966.

September 23 (national holiday) - Day of the autumnal equinox day (shubun-no-hi). During the week (ohigan) it is customary to visit the graves of deceased relatives.

Holidays in Japan in October

Second Monday in October (national holiday) - Health and Sports Day (taiiku no hi). On that day in 1964, the Tokyo Olympics opened.

October 31 - Halloween. In recent years, popularity has increased dramatically. In Tokyo, an informal gathering of people in costumes takes place in the Shibuya area.

Holidays in Japan in November

November 3 (national holiday) - Culture Day (bunka no hi). Day to promote culture and love for freedom and peace. On Culture Day, schools and other government agencies reward selected individuals for their special cultural achievements.

November 15 - Seven-Five-Three (shichi-go-san). It is a holiday for girls aged three and seven, and boys aged three to five. On this day, children dressed in special kimono go with their parents to the temple, where they pray for their good health.

November 23 (national holiday) - Thanksgiving Day for Labor (Labor Day) (kinro kansha no hi). National Labor Day.

Holidays in Japan in December

December 23 (national holiday) - Emperor's Birthday (tenno no tanjobi). The birthday of the current Emperor Akihito is a national holiday. When the emperor changes, the national holiday will change to the birthday of the new emperor.

December 24-25 - Christmas. is not a national holiday, but malls and streets are decorated the week before Christmas. Many Japanese people follow Christmas traditions such as Christmas cake and Christmas dinner.

• Added: 02/21/2018
• Added by Tengu
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