Saitama Prefecture Citizens' Day

What Is Saitama Prefecture Citizens' Day?

November 14th is "Saitama Kenmin no Hi" (Saitama Prefecture Citizens' Day) in Japan. It commemorates the creation of Saitama Prefecture on the 14th day of the 11th lunar month of 1871 (Meiji 4), through the Meiji-era abolition of the han system (haihan-chiken), and was established in 1971, exactly 100 years after the prefecture's founding.

The History of Saitama's Founding

The Saitama Prefecture created in 1871 covered a different area than the Saitama we know today.

• The original Saitama: the area east of the Arakawa River became "Saitama Prefecture," while the area to the west was separately established as "Iruma Prefecture"
• Kumagaya Prefecture: in 1873, Iruma Prefecture merged with Gunma Prefecture to form "Kumagaya Prefecture"
• Today's boundaries: in 1876, Kumagaya Prefecture was abolished and the former Iruma area joined Saitama, forming roughly the same boundaries that exist today

What Happens on Citizens' Day

On Saitama Prefecture Citizens' Day, public elementary, junior high, and high schools within the prefecture close for the day, and prefectural museums and art galleries, along with some paid facilities run by municipalities, offer free admission. It has become an established occasion for families to rediscover the appeal of their home prefecture. A commemorative ceremony and essay and drawing contests are also held.

The Prefectural Office Ended Up in Urawa

When Saitama Prefecture was first created, Iwatsuki in Saitama District (now Iwatsuki Ward, Saitama City) was designated as the seat of the prefectural government. However, there was no suitable building, so the office was set up in Urawa (now Urawa Ward, Saitama City), using the former Urawa Prefecture government building.

Tips for Marking This Day

• Visit a prefectural museum or art gallery offering free admission for the day
• Learn about the history and founding of Saitama Prefecture
• Visit sightseeing spots within the prefecture, like Kawagoe, Chichibu, or Omiya
• Learn about the culture and local specialties associated with Saitama

A Hometown's Story, Born From a Single Line Drawn Over 150 Years Ago

More than 150 years have passed since the land once divided east and west by the Arakawa River came together as a single prefecture. Let November 14th be a day to take a fresh look at the history behind the place called "Saitama" that so many now call home without a second thought.