Constitution Memorial Day (Kenpo Kinenbi)

What Is Constitution Memorial Day?

Every year on May 3rd, Japan celebrates "Constitution Memorial Day." This national holiday commemorates the Constitution of Japan taking effect on May 3, 1947, and was established by the Act on National Holidays, promulgated and enforced in 1948. The Act describes it as a day "to commemorate the enforcement of the Constitution of Japan and to hope for the nation's growth." It's a day to reflect on the Constitution's three basic principles -- popular sovereignty, respect for fundamental human rights, and pacifism -- and, as one of the holidays that make up Golden Week, it sees gatherings and events across Japan where people think about the Constitution.

The Starting Point of Postwar Democracy

The Constitution of Japan became the foundation for postwar Japan's path as a new nation.

• Taking effect on May 3, 1947: Promulgated on November 3, 1946, the Constitution of Japan took effect on this day after a six-month preparation period. It marked a major turning point, as sovereignty shifted from the Emperor to the people and each person came to be respected as an individual with fundamental human rights.
• A declaration of pacifism: Article 9, which renounces war, forbids maintaining war potential, and denies the right of belligerency, is one of the Constitution's defining features. Pacifism has been one of the essential pillars in telling the story of postwar Japan.

The Shape of the Constitution of Japan

Few people read the Constitution in daily life, but knowing its structure makes it feel more familiar.

• A preamble and 103 articles in 11 chapters: The Constitution of Japan consists of a preamble and a main text of 103 articles in 11 chapters. Chapter 1 is "The Emperor," Chapter 2 is "Renunciation of War," and Chapter 3 is "Rights and Duties of the People."
• Promulgation day became "Culture Day": Because the Constitution values peace and culture, November 3rd, the day it was promulgated, became a national holiday called "Culture Day" in 1948. Both the day it was promulgated and the day it took effect are national holidays.

Interesting Facts About Constitution Memorial Day

• Promulgation vs. enforcement: The Constitution was "promulgated" (announced to the public) on November 3rd (Culture Day), and "enforced" (took legal effect) six months later on May 3rd. Those six months served as a preparation period for moving to the new rules.
• A constitution that has never been amended: The Constitution of Japan has not been amended once since it took effect in 1947. Among constitutions in force today, it is said to be one of the longest to have gone without amendment.
• The story behind the draft: In February 1946, staff at GHQ (the General Headquarters of the Allied occupation) drafted the text in a short period. It reflects the ideas of people such as Beate Sirota Gordon, who helped draft provisions on women's rights (including Article 24), and contained content that was pioneering for its time.
• The balance of the separation of powers: The system in which the Diet (legislative), the Cabinet (executive), and the courts (judicial) check one another is also laid down in the Constitution -- a safeguard against power becoming concentrated in one place.
• Voting at 18 and civic awareness: Since 2016, the voting age has been lowered to 18. Young people are expected to take part in shaping society's rules as sovereign citizens.

Tips for Spending Constitution Memorial Day

• Reflect on the freedoms you take for granted -- reading the books you like, going where you want, and sharing your opinions. Take a moment to recognize that these freedoms are guaranteed by the Constitution.
• Read constitutional features in the news or newspapers. Learning how peace, human rights, and environmental rights are being discussed today is a good way to see society from a wider perspective.
• Talk with family or friends about the value of peace. Looking back on history, discuss how precious it is to be able to spend a holiday in calm, everyday peace.
• Review the "rules" in your own life. Just as the Constitution is the supreme law of the nation, think about the principles you want to value in your life and work, as a guide to living in your own way.

The Freedoms We Take for Granted Rest on the Foundation of the Constitution

May 3rd is a day to confirm that the people are sovereign. The words of the Constitution are more than legal provisions -- they carry the hopes of people who wanted to build a society where the tragedy of war would never be repeated and where everyone could pursue happiness in their own way. You may sometimes struggle with your role in a new environment, but each person's dignity is protected by the Constitution. On this holiday, take a fresh look at the value of freedom and spend a peaceful day in your own way.