National Foundation Day (Japan)

National Foundation Day
A mikoshi carried during a parade
Official nameKenkoku Kinen no Hi (建国記念の日)
Observed byJapan
TypePublic
SignificanceCelebrates the founding of the nation
CelebrationsFamily reunions, parades, concerts
Date11 February
FrequencyAnnual

National Foundation Day (建国記念の日, Kenkoku Kinen no Hi) is a public holiday of Japan observed annually on the 11th February. The holiday has been celebrated since 1967, following the proclamation of it as a public holiday by a Cabinet Order the previous year. 11 February is the accession date of the legendary first Emperor of Japan, Emperor Jimmu at Kashihara-gū, converted into Gregorian calendar of 660 BC which is written in Kojiki and chapter 3 of Nihon Shoki. Coincidentally, 11 February 1889 is the day of the promulgation of the Meiji Constitution.