13: Culture Day ( November 3rd )
November 3rd has been a holiday since the beginning of the Meiji Period. Emperor Meiji, who ruled Japan from 1867 till 1912, was born on November 3rd and so it was originally a day to celebrate his birthday. After the Emperor’s death, November 3rd was changed into “Culture Day” (文化の日, Bunka no Hi) a day devoted to culture.
It was also on November 3rd 1946 when the new post-war Constitution of Japan was officially announced (there is a separate holiday to commemorate the day the Constitution actually came into force, Constitution Memorial Day, held on May 3rd). Therefore, November 3rd has become a day for people to foster the ideals of the post-war Constitution - namely peace and freedom.
Culture Day became a day to promote culture, arts and various fields of academic endeavour. All around the country art exhibitions, parades, culture festivals and award ceremonies for distinguished artists and scholars take place. Universities often present their new research and projects on Culture Day as well.
Since 1937, the award ceremony for the prestigious Order of Culture has been held on this day at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. The Emperor himself presents the awards to those who have made outstanding contributions in the fields of science, art, or culture. It is one of the highest honours bestowed by the Imperial Family. The prize is not restricted to Japanese citizens; for example, among past winners were the three American astronauts aboard Apollo 11, which made humankind's first landing on the Moon in 1969.
Strangely enough, Culture Day always seems to be blessed with fine weather. Statistically, it is one of the finest days of the year. Between 1965 and 1996, there have only been three rainy days on November 3rd in Tokyo.
