Shōwa Day in Japan

April 29 is Shōwa Day in Japan. It is the anniversary of the birth of the Emperor Shōwa (Hirohito), who reigned from 1926 until his death in 1989. Hirohito’s reign saw Japan move from a primarily rural country into an industrial power. He also oversaw the turbulent years of Japan’s involvement in World War II, the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and the subsequent occupation of Japan. Rather than a day to celebrate, Shōwa Day in Japan is a day to reflect on this troubled part of the nation’s history.

Shōwa Day also begins Golden Week in Japan, a week that includes Consitution Memorial Day (May 3), Greenery Day (May 4), and Children’s Day (May 5).

^{(photo of Hirohito’s coronation/Library of Congress Photo)}