Give National Foundation Day the Celebration It Deserves

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National Foundation Day (Kenkoku Kinen no Hi) is celebrated annually on February 11. Japan's National Holidays Law stipulates that it should be a day to "commemorate the founding of the nation and to foster love of country."

The 2025 celebration corresponds to the 80th anniversary of the end of the Pacific War. This is a good opportunity to celebrate the establishment of our homeland, Japan, as well as to look back on history and think about the future of the nation.

Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, their daughter Princess Aiko, Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emeritus Michiko, and other members of the Imperial Family attend the New Year Public Greeting on the morning of January 2 at the Imperial Palace. (©Sankei by Yoshinori Saito)

Reinstating Celebration After Postwar Pause

Following the war, the General Headquarters of the Allied Powers known as GHQ sought to ensure that Japan would never again become a major power. To that end, it abolished the systems and customs that fostered patriotism and a sense of unity among the Japanese people. Since the end of the occupation, Japan has nevertheless reclaimed some of these important institutions and customs.

National Foundation Day was originally known as Kigensetsu. Traditionally, ceremonies were held around Japan on that day to celebrate the founding of the nation. However, in 1948, the practice was abolished under pressure from GHQ.

The majority of the Japanese people favored retaining the holiday. After Japan regained full sovereignty with the signing of the San Francisco Peace Treaty of 1952, a drive began to revise the National Holidays Law. As a result, the day was officially reinstated as a national holiday in 1966.

*Woodblock print depicting legendary first Emperor Jimmu by Ginko Adachi in 1891 (public domain via Wikimedia Commons).*

A Long and Continuous History

There is great significance in passing on traditions associated with the founding of Japan as a nation. The Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan) was completed in the year 720. It records that, on February 11, 660 BC, the first Emperor Jimmu ascended the throne at Kashihara Palace (Nara Prefecture). That is when the story of Japan as a unified nation began. Since then, up to the current 126th Emperor, Japan has been ruled by a single, unbroken line of emperors.

Japan is the oldest continuously existing country in the world, and it has been said that this day marked its beginning.

'Kigensetsu' a Celebration of Independence

When the Western powers made advances into Asia and threatened Japan's independence, patriotic Japanese successfully carried out the Meiji Restoration (1868-1889). Afterward, the Japanese people united under Emperor Meiji (d. 1912) and were thus able to weather the national crisis.

As part of this effort, in 1873, February 11 was designated as Kigensetsu by the government. It was an opportunity for all Japanese citizens to come together to celebrate the founding of the nation.

However, ever since the commemoration became "National Foundation Day," its national significance has not been fully understood by the public. Kigensetsu was abolished during the occupation and replaced by Kenkoku Kinen no Hi, National Foundation Day. Inexplicably, some people argue therefore that it should be treated with hostility or disdain.

For Japan as an independent nation, simply criticizing occupation policies is not enough. The Japanese government should sponsor grand ceremonies so the public can celebrate the founding of the nation and join forces to build a better Japan.

Regrettably, there are no government-sponsored ceremonies. Of greater concern, the topic is also not properly taught in the nation’s schools.

Author: Editorial Board, The Sankei Shimbun

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