Mountain Day
On the afternoon of 25 April, the Lower House of Parliament passed an amendment to the nation’s Holiday Act which includes a new public holiday Mountain Day (Yama no Hi). The next step involves the amendment to go into deliberation in the Upper House where it is expected to be approved again.
Although this comes as welcome news to the nation’s tired workers, Japanese holidays tend to be arbitrary affairs named after random things like the ocean. This time, though, Japan’s newest holiday is name after something truly special. Still, I can’t help but be surprised how many fans of Mountain there are in Parliament…
In June last year, we brought you news of whisperings in Japan’s Tochigi Prefecture about the proposed creation of a new public holiday, which was to be known as Yama no Hi, or Mountain Day. Since then we have heard little more on the subject, but the good news is that, although the plans may have changed a little, parliament is now considering a bill to make the national holiday a reality, meaning everyone may soon get an extra day off every August 11!
MOST POPULAR
Now
Downloads of 39-year-old Guns N’ Roses song increase 12,166 percent thanks to Gundam
Naruto jerseys coming to Major Leage Baseball theme nights, Hello Kitty to take over a field
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Japan’s first all-matcha ramen restaurant is now open in Kyoto【Photos】
Family Mart releases huge range of cute sweets for Cat Day in Japan
A robot joins the team at a fast-food restaurant, but in an unlikely city in northern Japan
Three beautiful places to see Japan’s plum blossoms after starting your day in downtown Tokyo
Studio Ghibli releases giant Totoro plushies in Japan
Tiny house by Muji finally goes on sale in Japan
Japanese Yu-Gi-Oh fan makes authentic, functional Millennium Puzzle and it’s a thing of beauty
Weekly
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience- Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Cherry blossom forecasts map shows Japan’s OTHER sakura season is starting right now- Three beautiful places to see Japan’s plum blossoms after starting your day in downtown Tokyo
Japanese women sound off on their minimum height requirements for a husband【Survey】
Japanese man gets drunk and falls asleep on Tokyo streets, then gets robbed by foreign national
Japan has a new bar just for people thinking about quitting their jobs, and the drinks are free
420 million yen in cash-filled suitcases stolen on Tokyo streets, incidents at Haneda and Hong Kong follow
Japan’s suicides fall to lowest recorded number ever, but one demographic hits all-time high
Monthly
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating- Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
Yearly
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo- Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
RECOMMENDED STORIES
A robot joins the team at a fast-food restaurant, but in an unlikely city in northern Japan
Three beautiful places to see Japan’s plum blossoms after starting your day in downtown Tokyo
Studio Ghibli releases giant Totoro plushies in Japan
Tiny house by Muji finally goes on sale in Japan
Japanese Yu-Gi-Oh fan makes authentic, functional Millennium Puzzle and it’s a thing of beauty
A spotlight on Japanese singles figure skating: Jumping into the 2026 Olympics【Pt. II】
We try the Jack & Coke canned cocktail to see if it’s any better than mixing one yourself
How to make a lucky sushi roll with KFC fried chicken skin【SoraKitchen】
Turn a persimmon into a pudding with one simple ingredient
Hideo Kojima huggy pillows keep showing up at American anime and game conventions 【Photos】
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Super-expensive capsule toys – Trying out Japan’s Premium Gachapon machine【Photos】
Japanese women sound off on their minimum height requirements for a husband【Survey】
-
