Culture Day (文化の日 Bunka-no-hi) is a national holiday that occurs annually in Japan, on November 3, with the purpose of promoting culture, arts and academic endeavor.
The date has been celebrated throughout Japan since 1948, with festivities and award ceremonies that promote the arts and academic activities (from primary school to universities). In general, it is a day to promote activities such as the tea ceremony, martial arts, music and everything that influences not only traditional Japanese culture, but current society.
November 3rd has been a national holiday in Japan since the Meiji era. It was originally celebrated as the Emperor’s Birthday, because Emperor Meiji was born on November 3, and became known as Culture Day after the Emperor’s death in 1912.
- National Holiday: November 3rd, Bunka no Hi (Culture Day).