National Foundation Day facts for kids
National Foundation Day (建国記念の日, Kenkoku Kinen no Hi) is a special day in Japan. It is celebrated every year on February 11. This day remembers the legendary start of Japan and when its first emperor, Emperor Jimmu, became ruler at Kashihara gū.
In 2015, a group in Japan asked 10,000 Japanese people about this holiday. They found that only 2 out of 10 people knew that National Foundation Day was on February 11.
Contents
History of the Holiday
How the Holiday Started
According to Shinto beliefs, Emperor Jimmu became emperor in 660 BC. During the Meiji period (a time in Japanese history from 1868 to 1912), historians said this special day was February 11, 660 BC.
The holiday was first celebrated in 1873. Back then, it was called National Empire Day. Historians think the Meiji government wanted to show that the Meiji Emperor was a direct follower of Emperor Jimmu. The constitution (the main rules of the country) for the Meiji era was also announced on February 11, 1889.
Changes After World War II
After World War II, when other countries occupied Japan, this holiday was stopped. However, an American general named Douglas MacArthur approved Japan's new constitution on February 11, 1946.
After the occupation ended, some groups in Japan who strongly loved their country wanted the holiday back. After a few years, the government brought it back. They changed the name from National Empire Day to National Foundation Day. They also removed most of the old symbols related to the emperor's power.
Today's Views
Today, some groups in Japan like National Foundation Day. Other groups protest it. They think the holiday is too closely linked to the events that led to World War II.
Related pages
- Japanese imperial year
- National Day
Images for kids
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Kigensetsu celebration, before 1940.
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National Foundation Day in a street of Tokyo, 2019.
See also
In Spanish: Día de la Fundación Nacional para niños
