Golden Week

Friday was the start of what is called Golden Week in Japan, a week of four national holidays, and consequently, one of the busiest travel times of the year. I was curious about what the holidays actually were, so I looked them up. Here's what I found (courtesy of www.japan-guide.com):

Apr. 29 : Midori no Hi
I used to think this was just Green Day, as a direct translation would go. But actually, it is Greenery Day. It used to be the birthday of the Showa emperor, who died in the year 1989. After his death, it was turned into a day for environment and nature, since the emperor loved plants and nature. Starting in 2007, the day will be renamed Showa Day, and Midori no Hi will be moved to May 4th.

May 3: Kenpo Kinenbi (Constitution Day)
On this day in 1947, the new postwar constitution was put into effect.

May 4: Kokumin no Kyujitsu ("Between Day")
I think the US should do something like this. According to Japanese law, a day which falls between two national holidays is also declared a national holiday, unless the "between day" is a Sunday, in which case it will be just a regular Sunday. From 2007, Greenery Day, currently celebrated on April 29, will be moved to May 4.

May 5: Kodomo no Hi (Children's Day)
The Boy's Festival (Tango no Sekku) is celebrated on this day. Families pray for the health and future success of their sons by hanging up carp streamers and displaying samurai dolls, both symbolizing strength, power and success in life.