Celebrate National Foundation Day to Teach Children Love of Country

Japan is the oldest nation in the world. May we continue to speak with pride of its venerable beginnings. February 11 marked National Foundation Day.

The National Holidays Act states, "This day is for commemorating the founding of Japan and cultivating national pride."

The Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, Japan's two oldest books, describe the foundation of the Japanese nation. It began with Jimmu Tenno, Japan's first emperor. While headed east from Kyushu in search of a place to build an ideal country, the army, led by Jimmu, found itself lost in the steep mountains of Kumano on the Kii Peninsula.

At this time, the three-legged crow Yatagarasu, sent from heaven by the Sun Goddess Amaterasu Omikami, appeared. Yatagarasu then led them to the land of Yamato (today's Nara Prefecture).

After pacifying Yamato, Jimmu ascended to the throne, thereby founding the Japanese nation.

That momentous event took place in 660 BC by the Western calendar. Therefore, counting that as the first year of the imperial calendar, 2026 marks the 2,686th year of Japan's existence.

Continuity of Imperial Rule

Throughout Japan's long history, the emperor has always been recognized as its legitimate ruler. Naruhito, the current emperor, is the 126th in an unbroken line stretching back to Jimmu Tenno.

Japan is the only country on earth with such a long history that has never experienced a change of dynasty. Naturally, there were challenging times, such as during the last war. Nevertheless, overall, Japan has been a peaceful and stable country.

Current generations have a duty to pass on to the next generations the Japan that our ancestors cherished throughout the ages.

*Circa 1891 Woodblock print by Ginko Adachi depicts legendary first Emperor Jimmu. (Public domain via Wikimedia Commons).*

Teaching the Nation's Origins

Unfortunately, the origins of the country's founding are not widely known today. No government-sponsored commemorative ceremonies are held, and the significance of the event is rarely taught in schools. Instead, even now, some people deny the origin story, saying that there is no scientific basis for it.

Until the postwar occupation authorities abolished the holiday in 1948, February 11 was a national holiday called Kigensetsu. It was also known as "Empire Day."

However, during the postwar period, the Allied Occupation General Headquarters adopted a strategy to root out systems and customs that had previously fostered patriotism and a sense of unity among the Japanese people. These were disallowed, one after another.

Observance of Kigensetsu was one of them. However, there was strong public demand for the revival of the holiday. Therefore, in 1966, the National Holidays Act was revised to create "National Foundation Day."

Time to Reflect

It is especially important to take time on February 11 to look back and reflect on the origins and history of Japan. Such reflections will help children, especially, develop an attitude of loving their country and valuing traditional culture. They would also serve to strengthen national unity and foster a determination to protect Japan's independence and peace.

The government, for its part, should host an official ceremony to celebrate the founding of the nation. Family and local communities also play important roles. Parents should help teach their children about Japan's origin as a nation.

(Read the editorial in Japanese.)

Author: Editorial Board, The Sankei Shimbun