In 2025, National Foundation Day falls on a Tuesday, so the Monday before is often taken as a bridge day for a four-day weekend.
About National Foundation Day
National Foundation Day (Kenkoku Kinen no Hi) is a Japanese national holiday observed on 11 February. It commemorates the legendary founding of Japan and the accession of the country's first emperor, Jimmu, traditionally dated to 660 BCE. The holiday invites reflection on the nation's history and identity. Its date derives from the old lunar calendar reckoning of Jimmu's enthronement, later fixed to the modern Gregorian calendar.
National Foundation Day is a relatively low-key holiday compared with many others. Some Shinto shrines hold festivals and rituals, and patriotic organisations may organise parades or ceremonies. Public buildings and some homes display the national flag. For most people it is a quiet day off in mid-winter, often spent resting at home or with family, rather than an occasion for large public celebrations across the whole country.
National Foundation Day · 2025–2030
Frequently asked questions
When is National Foundation Day 2025 in Japan?
Tuesday, Tuesday, 11 February 2025.
Is National Foundation Day a public holiday in Japan?
National Foundation Day — Public holiday (Japan).