In Japanese, midori (緑) means "green". As you might have guessed, this public holiday, which is part of Golden Week, therefore refers to… nature!
The story of Nature Day
Midori no hi (緑の日) is a relatively recent public holiday, having existed only since 1989. This tradition stems directly from Emperor Shōwa, whose birthday fell on April 29th. In Japan, the birthday of the reigning emperor is a public holiday: April 29th was therefore a holiday throughout Emperor Shōwa's reign (1926-1989).
At the end of his reign (1989) and in the context of the post-World War II American occupation, the Shōwa no hi (昭和の日) became the midori no hi (緑の日) to honor the memory of the emperor who loved nature very much.
Until 2007, the Japanese celebrated Midori no Hi (緑の日) on April 29th. In 2007, this holiday was moved to May 4th and April 29th (re)became Shōwa no Hi (昭和の日), the day of commemoration of the Emperor's memory.
What do we do during Nature Day?
You know how closely the Japanese relate to nature! Midori no Hi (緑の日) is an opportunity to get involved in environmental protection by cleaning public spaces or planting trees. Some parks and gardens offer events or free admission.
