Public holidays in Japan

Public holidays in Japan were established by the Public Holiday Law, Kokumin no Shukujitsu ni Kansuru Horitsu) of 1948 (as amended). A provision of the law establishes that when a national holiday falls on a Sunday, the next working day shall become a public holiday, known as furikae kyujitsu ( literally "transfer holiday"). Additionally, any day that falls between two other national holidays shall also become a holiday, known as kokumin no kyujitsu , literally "citizens' holiday"). May 4, sandwiched between Constitution Memorial Day on May 3 and Children's Day on May 5, was an annual example of such a holiday until it was replaced by Greenery Day in 2007.

Prior to Japan's adoption of the Gregorian calendar in 1873, the dates of holidays were based on the traditional Chinese lunisolar calendar. Thus, New Year's Day, for example, was celebrated at the beginning of spring, as it is in modern China, Korea and Vietnam. Japan has 16 national, government-recognized holidays.

New Year's Day ( Ganjitsu)
This national holiday was established in 1948, as a day to celebrate the new year. New Year's Day marks the beginning of Japan's most important Japan holiday season, the New Year season, which generally refers to the first one, three or seven days of the year. Although not prescribed by law, many workplaces are closed from December 29 to January 3. Prior to 1948, New Year's Day was a national holiday on which the imperial worship ceremony is known as Shiho-hai took place.

Coming of Age Day ( Seijin no Hi)
This national holiday was established in 1948 as a day to congratulate and encourage people who have reached the age of maturity (20) during the year. Cities and towns throughout the nation hold ceremonies for these people. Originally held on January 15, in 2000 it was changed to the second Monday of January in accordance with the Happy Monday System.

National Foundation Day (Kenkoku Kinen no Hi)
This national holiday was established in 1966 (and first held in 1967) as a day to reflect on the establishment of the nation and to nurture a love for the country. From 1872 to 1948, February 11 was known as Kigen-setsu , a holiday commemorating the day on which—according to the Nihon Shoki—Emperor Jimmu is said to have acceded the throne in 660 BCE.

From wikipedia.org