Monday, July 20, 2009

Marine Day

Today is a National Holiday, Umi no hi 海の日, or Marine Day. The holiday was first observed in 1996 as part of the "Happy Monday System". The government of Japan decided to make or move a number of national holidays to Monday, thereby creating well deserved three day weekends for the overworked company man or woman. Since it's a new holiday no traditional customs exist, but many people use this weekend to enjoy the beautiful beaches.

In the summer, Japan is ripe with festivals and summer celebrations. This past weekend we noticed several woman and girls wearing yukata, the traditional cotton garment for summer.

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