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Japanese public holidays

How Japanese national holidays, substitute holidays, and citizens' holidays are defined by law.

Japan's public holidays are defined by the 1948 "Public Holidays Act" (国民の祝日に関する法律). There are currently 17 statutory holidays, each celebrating an aspect of family, work, nature, or history.

The Public Holidays Act

The Act exists "so that the people of Japan, who freely seek peace, may build a better society and richer life by celebrating, expressing gratitude, or commemorating, together as a nation."

Substitute Holidays (振替休日)

When a holiday falls on a Sunday, the next non-holiday weekday becomes a substitute holiday. This was introduced in 1973.

Citizens' Holidays (国民の休日)

A non-holiday weekday sandwiched between two holidays becomes a citizens' holiday. The most famous example was September 22, 2009 — sandwiched between the Autumnal Equinox and Respect for the Aged Day.

Holiday list · 2026

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