Greenery Day (Midori no Hi)

What Is Greenery Day?

Every year on May 4th, Japan celebrates "Greenery Day." It is a national holiday meant "to commune with nature, give thanks for its blessings, and nurture a rich heart." Originally, April 29th -- the birthday of Emperor Showa -- was designated Greenery Day from 1989. When April 29th became "Showa Day" in 2007, Greenery Day moved to May 4th. Until then, May 4th had been a "citizens' holiday," a day off sandwiched between two national holidays; with this change, it became an official national holiday and one of the days of Golden Week.

How the Holiday Has Changed

The name "Greenery" reflects the fact that Emperor Showa was deeply knowledgeable about biology and loved nature.

• Why it moved: From 1989 to 2006, April 29th was Greenery Day. When April 29th became "Showa Day," a day to reflect on the Showa era, the name and purpose of Greenery Day were passed on to May 4th, which had already been a day off between holidays.
• Emperor Showa as a biologist: Emperor Showa was also a biologist known for his research on hydrozoans and slime molds. The saying "there is no plant called a weed" is attributed to him.

Fun Facts About Japan's Greenery and Forests

Learning a little about the "green" around us can make familiar scenery look a bit different.

• About two-thirds forest: Japan's forest coverage is about 67%, meaning roughly two-thirds of the country is forested -- one of the highest ratios among developed countries.
• A related observance: May 4th is also "Botanical Garden Day," established in 2007 by the Japan Association of Botanical Gardens to coincide with Greenery Day's move to May 4th.

Interesting Facts About Greenery Day

• Free admission to parks and facilities: On Greenery Day, some facilities, such as Tokyo's metropolitan zoos and gardens, have typically offered free admission. Since this can change from year to year, check each facility's information before you go.
• Formerly a "citizens' holiday": From 1986, May 4th was a "citizens' holiday," a weekday made a day off because it fell between two national holidays. A 2007 revision of the Holiday Act turned it into Greenery Day, "promoting" it to a national holiday.
• "Green dams": Forest soil stores rainwater and releases it slowly into rivers. Because of this, forests are sometimes called "green dams."
• The only holiday named after a color: Greenery Day ("Midori no Hi," literally "Green Day") is the only Japanese national holiday whose name includes a color.

Tips for Spending Greenery Day

• Head a little farther out to a forest or large park. Step off the pavement and listen to the feel of soil underfoot and the rustle of leaves.
• Bring some "new green" onto your balcony or windowsill. Even a single small houseplant can change the feel of a room, and watching a plant grow day by day is a quiet pleasure.
• Observe "the nature at your feet." Wild plants growing through cracks in the asphalt, new buds on street trees -- look up plants you don't know in a field guide or an app, and your usual route will feel fresh.
• Take one action for the environment -- bring your own shopping bag, pick up litter, or donate to forest conservation. Give back a little for the blessings nature provides.

The Brilliance of Fresh Greenery Gives a Busy Life a Moment to Breathe

May 4th is a day to turn your attention to the nature around you and its blessings. Watching green leaves all catch the light at once helps you step back a little from the rush of daily life. A month into the new fiscal year, have you been carrying too much tension in your shoulders? Today, like a tree slowly reaching for the sky, take some unhurried time to reflect on yourself. Take a deep breath -- a day spent among the greenery can help carry you through the end of the holidays.