Shōwa Day is one of the public holidays in Japan, which commemorates the birth anniversary of the Shōwa Emperor, Hirohito, who reigned from 1926 until his death in 1989.
The day is celebrated annually on April 29.
During the reign of Emperor Hirohito, April 29 was celebrated as the Emperor's Birthday.
When his son Akihito ascended the throne following his father's death, the date remained a public holiday, but was renamed to Greenery Day.
In 2005, Greenery day was moved to May 4, and April 29 was declared Shōwa Day.
Shōwa Day is the first day of the so-called Golden Week.
Many businesses stay closed for an entire week.
