Emperor's Birthday
A day to celebrate the birthday of the reigning Emperor
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Tenno Tanjobi (The Emperor's Birthday) is a national holiday to celebrate the birthday of the reigning Emperor.
Historical Context and Date Changes
The custom of celebrating the Emperor's birthday dates back to the Nara period (8th century). In modern times, the date of the holiday changes with the ascension of each new emperor.
- Emperor Showa: April 29 (Now celebrated as Showa Day)
- Emperor Emeritus Akihito: December 23 (No longer a public holiday following his abdication)
- Emperor Naruhito: February 23 (The current holiday)
Public Greetings (Ippan Sanga)
A major event on this day is the public greeting at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. The gates are opened to the public, and the Emperor, accompanied by the Empress and other members of the Imperial Family, appears on a balcony to wave and give a short speech expressing his hopes for the people's health and peace.