06: Constitution Day ( May 3rd )
The present Japanese Constitution was promulgated on May 3rd, 1947, during the Showa Period. To commemorate this event, May 3rd became a national holiday and is called as Constitution Memorial Day (憲法記念日 Kenpo Kinen Bi).
Unlike the Meiji Constitution that it replaced, the Showa Constitution declares that sovereignty lies with the people; the Emperor is “the symbol of the state and the unity of the people” who has no “powers related to government.” It states that people have fundamental human rights and renounces war. This Constitution is very democratic, modelled on the American and British constitutions.
Every year on May 3rd, the anniversary of the Constitution's promulgation is marked with ceremonies around the country. It is the only day of the year that the public can visit the National Diet Building, which is normally closed to the public. Being a day that draws its significance from the Japanese constitution, Constitution Memorial Day is often chosen as a day to reflect upon the meaning of democracy and Japanese government. Many people attend lectures on the role the Constitution has played for over 50 years. For example, in 2003, a number of newspapers featured editorials regarding the constitution's embattled Article 9.
May 3rd is also a part of the collection of holidays known as “Golden Week,” a week when many Japanese households go on holiday.
