Golden Week started and it’s just about the right time to take a break from all the Japanese studies for a little while. But what is this holiday season all about and why are people so excited about it? Let’s find it out.

Golden Week (ゴルデンウィーク, goruden wīku) or simply “GW” is a flashy chosen name for Japan’s longest holiday season. Usually it ranges from 29 April to 5 May (sometimes 6 May) and includes some of Japan’s most important holidays.

29 April: Showa Day (昭和の日、shouwa no hi)
The former emperor’s birthday will be celebrated.

3 May: Constitution Memorial Day (憲法記念日、kenpō kinnenbi)

4 May: Greenery Day (みどりの日, Midori no hi)
As the name suggests, this day is for celebrating the nature.

5 May: Children’s Day (こどもの日, kodomo no hi)
This day is to celebrate and pray for their children’s health and strength to succeed in life. You will see many colorful “carp streamers” (koinobori)

We wish you a great holiday season and looking forward seeing you after the break fully recharged.