Marine Day in Japan takes place on the third Monday of July; it falls on July 15 this year. Marine Day is a Japanese national holiday that aims to thank the ocean for its bounty. Considering that Japan is a maritime nation, the country and its people are heavily dependent on the ocean. On this day, many Japanese people make a trip to the beach and enjoy ocean-related festivities. Called ‘Umi no hi,’ the date of Marine Day also generally coincides with monsoons in mainland Japan. The date of the festival was moved around in 2020 and 2021 due to the Tokyo Olympics, Marine Day is set to go back to the regular schedule.
Marine Day, also known as “Sea Day, is a day when the island country of Japan expresses its gratitude to the seas and oceans. Marine Day only became a national holiday in Japan in 1996. Since 2003, it has been observed on the third Monday of July.
Before 1996, it was known as Marine Memorial Day and was not a federal holiday. Water is undeniably essential to our survival. As a result, we should be grateful for our oceans, lakes, and rivers. According to studies, taking the time to consciously practice thankfulness can make us happy, reduce our blood pressure, and do other things. Japan is the world’s only country with a public holiday dedicated to ocean blessing.
History of Marine Day in Japan
Communications Minister Shozo Murata established the day in 1941 to commemorate the Meiji Emperor and his 1876 voyage on the Meiji Maru, an iron steamship built in Scotland in 1874. The excursion included a trip across the Tohoku region, boarding a lighthouse boat in Aomori, and stopping briefly in Hakodate before returning to Yokohama on July 20 that year. It was not, however, designated as a national holiday until 1995, when it became the first summer holiday. The day was also established as a festival to express gratitude for the sea’s blessings, to recognize its significance, and to pray for Japan’s success as a maritime nation.
Initially, the day was known as Marine Memorial Day, announced by Communications Minister Shozo Murata back in 1941. The day was meant to honor the Meiji emperor and his 1876 voyage in the iron steamship called the ‘Meiji Maru.’ The emperor had sailed around the Tohoku region. Marine Memorial Day was made a national holiday in 1995 and became the first holiday during the summer months. The holiday was moved to the third Monday of July in 2003 as part of the ‘Happy Monday’ revisions to holidays that established extended weekends from most public holidays in Japan. It was the first summer vacation on the Japanese calendar, and it coincided with the end of the rainy season. As a result, it is a popular time to visit beaches and participate in various water sports.
In Japan, Marine Day is a significant holiday. Why? Perhaps this is due to Japan’s profound relationship with the land and the waters, both of which are significant components of Shintoism. Because Japan comprises roughly 6,000 tiny islands, most of us can easily witness the recreational and health benefits of the water. Marine Day is one of several nature-themed holidays, which also includes Greenery Day and Mountain Day.
An additional objective of the holiday was to express gratitude for the gifts of the sea and to pray for Japan’s prosperity. It is seen as the official start of the summer season for students, and the three-day weekend allows families to spend time with each other whilst celebrating the day. On this day, families visit beaches to swim, snorkel, surf, dive, or simply spend time on the shore. People also participate in events like mud-ball throwing, which helps break down and eliminate sea grime. Several aquariums across the country also host water-related events.
Being an island nation, Japanese culture, history, society, and identity is closely linked to the ocean. Marine resources have been widely utilized in Japan. Most edible species of marine life have played some role in Japanese culture. As per archeological evidence, fish and shellfish were the mainstays of the diet of the earliest inhabitants of Japan.
Marine Day in Japan timeline
The earliest inhabitants of Japan begin eating fish.
The Meiji emperor goes on a voyage in the Meiji Maru.
Marine Memorial Day becomes a holiday.
Marine Day becomes a nationally recognized holiday in Japan, and its name is appropriately changed to its current one.
Marine Day moves from July 20 to the third Monday of the month, allowing Japan to celebrate the seas over a three-day weekend.
The holiday is observed on Thursday, July 23, 2020, as a one-time special accommodation to assist with the inauguration of the Tokyo Olympics.
Marine Day gets shifted to the third Monday of July.
Marine Day in Japan FAQs
Is Marine Day a public holiday in Japan?
Yes, it is!
What is Japan's biggest holiday?
The most important holiday in Japan is New Year or ‘shogatsu.’
What religion is Japan?
Shintoism and Buddhism are the two major religions of Japan.
How to Observe Marine Day in Japan
Read about Japan’s relationship with the ocean
To understand Marine Day in Japan. One needs to understand just how central the ocean is to the culture. Read up on it!
Visit the ocean
Do you live near a beach? Maybe go and spend the day at the ocean. For students, Marine Day is the unofficial start of summer, and many people use this summer break to spend a day at the beach. Odaiba, Yokohama, Kamakura, Enoshima, and Chiba are just a one-hour train ride from Tokyo J.R. Station and are some of the easiest sea-front destinations to visit for beaches and ocean views.
Visit an aquarium
National aquariums host one-of-a-kind events, water sports competitions, water performances, and sea-themed cultural activities. Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force decked out their ships with flags and banners, to commemorate the anniversary.
5 Interesting Facts About Japan
It covers over 70% of the Earth
With the ocean covering so much of the Earth's surface, it's clear how important these marine areas are to the planet and how much more there is to be discovered.
Aquatic life makes up the majority
The seas are home to a staggering 94% of all living species on the planet.
5% of the ocean has been explored
According to the Ocean Service, humans have only explored around 5% of the world's waters.
The longest mountain chain is underwater
The Mid-Ocean Ridge, the world's longest mountain range, is nearly completely submerged beneath the sea, stretching over 40,389 miles.
Marine plants produce over 70% oxygen
It is estimated that marine plants, almost entirely made up of marine algae, produce between 70% and 80% of the oxygen we breathe.
Why Marine Day in Japan is Important
It shows our gratitude to the ocean
Water is undeniably necessary for our survival. We should all be thankful for our oceans, lakes, and rivers.
It encourages us to help maintain its natural purity
The festival is marked by villagers tossing purifying balls of dried mud into the lake. The efficient microorganisms (E.M.) present aid in the removal of hazardous substances from the seafloor.
It raises awareness of the environment
On Marine Day, besides tossing special E.M. mudballs into the water to remove muck and slime, other localities hold beach cleanup programs on this day. Their valuable contributions encourage the public to take more care of our environment and preserve our natural resources.
Marine Day in Japan dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | July 18 | Monday |
| 2023 | July 17 | Monday |
| 2024 | July 15 | Monday |
| 2025 | July 21 | Monday |
| 2026 | July 20 | Monday |
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