Greenery Day

Greenery Day (みどりの日, Midori no Hi) is a public holiday in Japan, celebrated on May 4 as part of Golden Week. The holiday honors Emperor Shōwa's (Hirohito’s) deep appreciation for nature and his efforts to protect the environment.

Emperor Hirohito (reigned 1926–1989) was known for his profound love of nature and dedication to environmental conservation. Despite his largely symbolic role after World War II, he remained actively engaged in public affairs, including hosting dignitaries, traveling across Japan and abroad, and participating in various state events. However, he also made time to study marine biology, writing numerous scientific papers on marine plants and animals. During his travels, he often organized tree-planting events, reinforcing his commitment to nature.

Following Emperor Shōwa’s passing in 1989, April 29—his birthday—was renamed Greenery Day to commemorate his environmental contributions. However, as time passed, many younger generations began to lose sight of the holiday’s original meaning.

In 2007, the Japanese government revised the National Holidays Act, renaming Greenery Day as Shōwa Day (昭和の日, Shōwa no Hi) and shifting Greenery Day to May 4. The change aimed to better distinguish between honoring Emperor Shōwa’s reign and celebrating nature and environmental awareness.

Today, Greenery Day serves as an opportunity for people to appreciate Japan’s natural beauty. It is a perfect time for outdoor activities, such as visiting parks and nature reserves, enjoying picnics under the warm spring sunshine, and observing cherry blossoms, which are still blooming in northern Japan. In these regions, where cherry blossoms are just beginning to bloom, Greenery Day provides an excellent chance for residents to witness this stunning natural phenomenon and spend time outdoors. Whether relaxing in a park or engaging in environmental conservation activities, Greenery Day encourages people to reflect on the importance of nature and sustainability.