Gunma Prefecture Day

What Is Gunma Prefecture Day?

Every October 28th is "Gunma Prefecture Day" (群馬県民の日, Gunma Kenmin no Hi). On the 28th day of the 10th month of Meiji 4 under the old lunisolar calendar (December 10, 1871, in the modern calendar), the name "Gunma Prefecture" was used for the first time, during the Meiji government's "Abolition of Domains and Establishment of Prefectures" (廃藩置県). Gunma Prefecture established the day by ordinance in 1985.

According to the ordinance, it is a day "to learn the history of our home region, deepen understanding of and interest in it, raise awareness of self-government, and strive to build an even richer home region." Public schools in the prefecture close for the day, and commemorative events and free or discounted admission to facilities are offered across Gunma.

Why October 28th?

The area of today's Gunma was once known as Kozuke Province. After the Meiji Restoration, prefectures were merged and renamed repeatedly; the name "Gunma Prefecture" first appeared in 1871. After a period in which the area was merged into "Kumagaya Prefecture," Gunma Prefecture was re-established in 1876, and its present boundaries took shape.

The day follows the old-calendar date rather than December 10. The modern-calendar date falls in the busy year-end season, when snow is already starting to fall in the mountains, which is said to be why October 28 was chosen.

Sparked by a National Sports Festival

According to the prefecture, the idea grew out of the 38th National Sports Festival ("Akagi Kokutai") and the 19th National Sports Festival for the Disabled, both held in Gunma in 1983. The civic pride those events generated led to the creation of Gunma Prefecture Day two years later.

How to Spend the Day

Many facilities, including prefectural museums and art museums, offer free or discounted admission on this day. Eligible venues and conditions (such as proof of residence or advance booking) change from year to year, so check the prefecture's or each facility's official website before heading out.

• Explore local history: Visit places that powered Gunma's modernization, such as the Tomioka Silk Mill, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2014.
• Taste local food: Try yaki-manju (grilled buns with miso glaze), okkirikomi noodle stew, or Mizusawa udon.
• Play Jomo Karuta: This card game featuring Gunma's landmarks and historical figures is widely loved by residents.
• Dress warmly: Late October can be chilly, especially in the northern mountain areas.

Fun Facts About Gunma

• Prefectural symbols: The prefectural tree is the Japanese black pine, the flower is the Japanese azalea, the bird is the copper pheasant, and the fish is the ayu. The mascot, "Gunma-chan," is based on a pony.
• Hot-spring country: Gunma is home to famous onsen towns such as Kusatsu, Ikaho, Minakami, and Shima.
• Water for the capital: Dams on the upper Tone River supply water and electricity to the Tokyo metropolitan area.

Summary

• Origin: The name "Gunma Prefecture" was first used on the 28th day of the 10th month of 1871 (old calendar)
• Established: By prefectural ordinance in 1985, following the civic pride sparked by the 1983 Akagi Kokutai
• On the day: Public schools close, and many facilities offer free or discounted admission