If you spend summers in Japan, you have probably heard of the day called “Sea Day (Umi no hi)”. Well, when is the day of the sea? In 2022, it is Monday, July 18. However, this date does not necessarily appear immediately without confirmation.
On this page, we will look at the origin of Marine Day(Umi-no-hi) in the first place, and events related to the sea.
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What is the origin of Marine Day(Uminohi)?
Sea Day was first established under the name “Anniversary of the Sea”. Let us look at how it has changed since then.
Originally, July 20 was established as “Marine Day(Uminohi)” in 1941.
This was to commemorate the return of Emperor Meiji to the port of Yokohama on this day in 1876 from his tour of Tohoku on the steamer “Meiji Maru” for lighthouse patrols. It was only a memorial day and not a national holiday.
On July 20, 1996, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) entered into force in Japan and “Marine Day” was launched.
Later, the name was changed to “Marine Day” and became a national holiday.
In 2003, it was changed to the third Monday of July under the Happy Monday system.
Since Nara Prefecture has no sea, the third Monday of July is designated by ordinance as “Nara Prefecture Mountain Day and River Day.
The purpose of “Umi no Hi (Day of the Sea)” is to “express gratitude for the blessings of the sea and wish for the prosperity of Japan as a maritime nation.
In addition, the month of July 1-31 is designated as “Ocean Month.
During “Marine Month,” various marine-related events are held throughout Japan.
Since 1986, various events have been held in major port cities as “Marine Festa,” including commemorative ceremonies, celebrations, and symposiums.
Since 2003, when “Marine Day” was established, the name has been changed to “Marine Festa.
Conclusion
Umi no Hi (Day of the Sea) is a national holiday on the third Monday of July every year. It was established as a day to give thanks to the sea, as Japan has a history of development thanks to the blessings of the sea. It seems to be a holiday unique to Japan, an island nation surrounded by the sea.
- The name “Marine Day” is derived from “Marine Memorial Day,” which commemorates the return of Emperor Meiji to the port of Yokohama in 1876 from his tour of the Tohoku region.
- Currently, the third Monday of July is designated as “Marine Day,” a national holiday.
- The period from July 1 to 31 is designated as “Sea Month” and various events are held, including “Sea Festa.
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