Tokyo, 11 August 2022 (TDI): August 11 is a national holiday called “Mountain Day” or Yama no Hi in Japan. The legislation of Japan states that the day is designed to share “opportunities to get familiar with mountains and appreciate blessings from mountains.”
[What is Today] Aug 11 is a national holiday called the “Mountain Day” or Yamano-hi in Japan. The legislation states that the day is designed to share “opportunities to get familiar with mountains and appreciate blessings from mountains.”
— Yohei Sasakawa (@SasakawaYohei) August 11, 2022
Mountains make up over 70% of Japan’s geography and skiing and hiking are common activities there. The tallest mountain in Japan is Mount Fuji (3,776 m). It is from one of the “Three Holy Mountains,” and one of the country’s most recognizable mountains.
Mount Kita, Mount Hotaka, Mount Yari, Mount Tate, Mount Haku, and Mount Kumotori are some additional notable peaks in Japan. Some of them are even active volcanoes.
History of Mountain Day in Japan
Since 2016, Mountain Day has been celebrated on August 11. People always celebrate a holiday on the next day if 11 August is on Sunday.
On May 23, 2014, the national holiday was approved at a session of the legislature, a change to the law governing. It was enforced on January 1, 2016.
The Japanese Alpine Club and other organizations fought for the bill, stating that Japan, whose Shinto beliefs in nature have formed the culture, should appreciate its peaks and mountains. As a result, the holiday was introduced.
Local governments in the country’s mountainous regions had previously designated the day of 11 August as a day to honor their mountains.
Moreover, the date is appropriate because the number eight and the number eleven both resemble mountains when written in Japanese kanji characters.
Traditions of Mountain Day
There are no specific traditional ceremonies related to the day because it is a modern holiday. The first-ever National Ceremony for Mountain Day took place at Kamikochi in Matsumoto, Nagano, in the Japanese Alps.
According to a study by the Japan Weather Association conducted in 2016, only 68% of people knew about the new holiday. The holiday is building traction, with some people who are still not aware of it.
On this day, hiking is a well-liked activity. Older persons enjoy hill-walking. To escape the bustle of the cities, lots of people plan trips to the mountains to celebrate the day.
Student of BS International Relations in Kinnaird College for Women. Currently, working in 'TDI' as a contributor.
