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National Foundation Day

Let's honor the foundation of our country on National Foundation Day with pride, gratitude, and a renewed sense of unity.
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When it is?
February 11
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Category
Federal
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Country
Japan
Introduction

Get ready to celebrate the founding of a nation on National Foundation Day on February 11! This holiday is also known as "Kenkoku Kinen no Hi" in Japan and commemorates the establishment of the country's first imperial dynasty. It is a day of national pride and unity, marked by various ceremonies and cultural activities. In addition to celebrating Japan's rich history and culture, this day also serves as a reminder of the importance of unity and cooperation within a nation. So let's join together in honoring this significant day for Japan!

History of National Foundation Day

National Foundation Day Dates

National Foundation Day Timeline

<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>660 BC</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Foundation of Japan</div><div class='timeline-text'>Emperor Jimmu, a descendant of the sun goddess Amaterasu, is said to have founded Japan in 660 BC, marking the beginning of the Japanese imperial line.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1872</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Establishment of Foundation Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Japanese government under the Meiji Emperor established the holiday, then known as "Empire Day," to commemorate the country's foundation.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1890</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Public Holiday</div><div class='timeline-text'>The day became a public holiday marking the country's foundation and celebrating the emperor's lineage.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1946</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Post-War Suspension</div><div class='timeline-text'>After World War II, the holiday was suspended by the Allied Occupation due to its association with the emperor system and nationalism.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1966</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Reinstatement of Foundation Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>The holiday was reinstated by the Japanese government, renamed "National Foundation Day," and returned to the original date of February 11.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>Present Day</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Celebrations and Controversy</div><div class='timeline-text'>Currently, National Foundation Day is celebrated with flag-raising ceremonies and other events, but remains a source of controversy due to its historical connexions.</div></div></div>

How to Celebrate National Foundation Day

<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a cultural festival</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Look for events in your community celebrating National Foundation Day and attend a cultural festival. You can learn more about the history and traditions behind the holiday while enjoying food, performances, and activities.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit a historical site</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take a trip to a historical site or monument related to the foundation of your country. This can be a great opportunity to learn more about your country's history and reflect on its progress.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Have a traditional feast</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather with friends and family to have a traditional feast of dishes that are commonly served on National Foundation Day. This can be a great way to honor your country's culture and celebrate together.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Watch a historical movie or documentary</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Choose a movie or documentary that tells the story of your country's foundation and watch it with friends or family. This can be a great way to learn more about your country's history in an engaging way.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Participate in a community service project</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Give back to your community by participating in a service project on National Foundation Day. This can be a meaningful way to celebrate and show appreciation for your country.</p></div></div>

Why National Foundation Day is Important

<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It celebrates the foundation of a nation</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National Foundation Day is a holiday that commemorates the establishment of a country. It's an important reminder of the history and traditions that have shaped a nation, and a chance to reflect on how far it has come.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes patriotism</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>By celebrating National Foundation Day, citizens can show their love for their country and its values. This is an opportunity for people to come together and strengthen their national identity, fostering a sense of unity and pride.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It educates future generations </h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National Foundation Day is also an occasion for educating younger generations about their country's history, culture, and traditions. By learning about the roots of their nation, children can develop a better understanding and appreciation for their heritage.</p></div></div>

5 Facts About Imperial Dynasties

<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Imperial Families in Japan have a history dating back over 2,600 years</h3><p class='facts-content'>Imperial family records trace back to 660 BC, making the Japanese monarchy the world's oldest hereditary monarchy.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Qin Dynasty marked the start of imperial China</h3><p class='facts-content'>Established in 221 BC, the Qin Dynasty laid down many fundamental aspects of Chinese culture, which were upheld by successive dynasties.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Only one woman has been Emperor in Japan's history</h3><p class='facts-content'>Empress Suiko ascended the throne in 593 AD and worked to spread Buddhism throughout Japan, significantly influencing Japanese culture.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Roman Empire was hugely influential on subsequent European civilizations</h3><p class='facts-content'>Contributions of the Roman Empire include legal codes, technologies, architectural styles, and languages that greatly impacted later societies' development.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Ottoman Empire lasted for over six centuries</h3><p class='facts-content'>From 1299 to 1922, the Ottoman Empire exerted tremendous influence over Eurasia, spreading culture, trade, and political ideologies across its reign.</p></div></div>

National Foundation Day FAQs

When is National Foundation Day?

National Foundation Day is celebrated on February 11 every year. In 2024, National Foundation Day falls on a Sunday.

National Foundation Day Dates

Year
Date
Day

2023

Feb 11

Saturday

2024

Feb 11

Sunday

2025

Feb 11

Tuesday

2026

Feb 11

Wednesday

2027

Feb 11

Thursday

Federal Holidays