Jinjitsu no Sekku (Human Day or Mankind Day), also known as Nanakusa no Sekku (The Seven Herbs Festival), is one of Japan’s five seasonal festivals.  Every year on January 7th, after the hustle and bustle of the New Year, this day serves as a reminder to slow down and prioritize health. While Jinjitsu no Sekku has been celebrated since the Nara period, did you know that its roots can be traced back to China?

As the days grow shorter and the year nears its end, Japan welcomes the winter solstice, or 冬至 (Tōji). This is a time to prepare for the cold, reflect on the past year, and look forward to the return of spring. Though the shortest day may feel shrouded in darkness, Tōji is a celebration of warmth, renewal, and the hope that light will come again.

If you are from a coastal town or a maritime nation that is plagued by earthquakes, it is something that you must be mindful of and prepared for.  Today, as we observe World Tsunami Awareness Day, let’s look at the history and ways we can be prepared.  

Every year in Japan, there are two very special days when day and night are perfectly equal in length: the spring equinox in March and the autumn equinox in September. Both of these days are public holidays, but they’re also tied to a Buddhist tradition called O-Higan (お彼岸).

Every September, Japan welcomes one of the most meaningful seasonal markers of the year: the Autumn Equinox (Shūbun no Hi, 秋分の日). Usually falling on September 22 or 23, this holiday officially ushers in autumn. On this day, the sun rises directly in the east and sets directly in the west, with day and night balanced in perfect harmony. 

As a part of the Happy Monday system, it is currently celebrated on the third Monday of September.  Its 2025 date of September 15th aligns perfectly with its 1947 predecessor.  Today, as we celebrate Respect for the Aged Day, let’s delve into its history and the issues Japan’s elderly population faces today.

Obon is a cherished time when families reunite to celebrate the memory of their ancestors. It’s believed that the spirits of loved ones return to visit during this period. Think Halloween meets Día de los Muertos—but with a very Japanese touch of gratitude, family, and celebration.

Today, as we celebrate Mountain Day, let’s look at some statistics about Japan’s geography.  According to the Ministry of the Environment: Government of Japan, forests cover 67% of Japan’s total land area, and mountains and hills cover 70%.  70% is a lot of space to be covered by mountains.