Wednesday, December 23, 2009

天皇誕生日(tenno tanjyobi): The Emperor's Birthday

December 23 is the current Emperor's birthday. He became 76 years old today. Happy birthday!!
It is a national holiday and the celebration takes place at the Imperial Palace which, usually off limits to the public, opens its gates to general public. This is called ippan sanga (一般参賀), which is also held in New Year. Only in the morning about 24,000 people visited there to celebrate. This was the most number in Heisei (平成) Era.
This year is the special year of the 20th anniversary of the succession to the throne and the 50th wedding anniversary for him.
The Showa Emperor's birthday was April 29. During his reign it was a national holiday of the Emperor's Birthday. After his decease it became a national holiday called Midori no hi (みどりの日), Green Day in 1989 and Showa no hi(昭和の日), Showa Day in 2007.

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