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Kung nakatira o nagtatrabaho ka sa Japan, isa sa mga national holidays na makikita mo during Golden Week ay :

憲法記念日（けんぽうきねんび / Kenpō Kinenbi）

Constitution Memorial Day

It is celebrated every May 3 and commemorates the day when Japan’s current Constitution came into effect in 1947.

Para sa mga OFW sa Japan, magandang malaman kung ano ang meaning ng holiday na ito at kung paano ito maaaring makaapekto sa work schedules, government services, banking, travel, at everyday life.

1. What Is Constitution Memorial Day?

Constitution Memorial Day is an official Japanese national holiday observed every :

May 3

Sa Japanese :

憲法記念日（Kenpō Kinenbi）

Under Japan's National Holidays Act, the purpose of the holiday is to commemorate the enforcement of the Constitution of Japan and to hope for the development of the nation.

The current Constitution came into effect on May 3, 1947.

2. Why Is the Japanese Constitution Important?

The Constitution established the basic framework of modern Japan after World War II.

It defines important principles concerning :

• Government

• The role of the Emperor

• The Diet

• Courts

• Fundamental human rights

• Responsibilities of citizens

• Peace and international relations

For foreign workers, understanding that Japan operates under constitutional protections and a legal system can also help you appreciate why employment, immigration, and everyday life are governed by specific laws and procedures.

3. When Was the Constitution Created?

Japan's current Constitution was :

Promulgated: November 3, 1946

Enforced: May 3, 1947

This is why May 3 became Constitution Memorial Day.

Interestingly, November 3 is now another Japanese national holiday :

文化の日（Bunka no Hi）

Culture Day

4. Is Constitution Memorial Day Part of Golden Week?

Yes.

Constitution Memorial Day is one of the major holidays during :

ゴールデンウィーク（Golden Week）

The main holidays around this period are :

• April 29 – Showa Day

• May 3 – Constitution Memorial Day

• May 4 – Greenery Day

• May 5 – Children's Day

Depending on weekends and company schedules, some workers use paid leave between these dates to create a longer vacation.

5. Why Should OFWs Know About Golden Week?

Golden Week is one of the busiest holiday periods in Japan.

During this time, expect :

• Crowded trains

• Busy Shinkansen services

• Full flights

• Heavy highway traffic

• Crowded tourist destinations

• Higher demand for hotels

• Changes to business schedules

Kung may plano kang mag-travel, don't wait until the last minute to book.

6. Do OFWs Automatically Have No Work?

Not necessarily.

Constitution Memorial Day is a national holiday, but this doesn't automatically mean every employee has the day off.

Your schedule depends on your :

• Employment contract

• Company calendar

• Shift schedule

• Industry

• Workplace rules

People working in :

• Restaurants

• Hotels

• Retail

• Convenience stores

• Hospitals

• Transportation

• Factories

• Tourism

may still be scheduled to work.

Always check your official work schedule.

7. Does Working on May 3 Automatically Mean Extra Pay?

Not necessarily.

A Japanese national holiday isn't automatically the same as your legally designated statutory holiday for labor-law purposes.

Whether additional pay applies depends on factors such as :

• Your work schedule

• Your statutory rest day

• Working hours

• Employment conditions

• Company rules

If you're unsure, check your employment contract or ask HR/payroll.

8. Government Offices Are Generally Closed

Because May 3 is a national holiday, government offices are generally closed.

This can include :

• City Hall

• Ward Offices

• Government administrative counters

• Many other public offices

If you need :

• Residence certificates

• Tax documents

• Address-related procedures

• My Number-related services

• Other government paperwork

try to complete them before Golden Week.

9. Banks May Also Be Closed

Many bank branches are closed during national holidays.

ATMs, mobile banking, and online banking may still be available depending on the financial institution, but processing schedules can differ.

This is especially important because Constitution Memorial Day is immediately followed by other Golden Week holidays.

10. Plan Your Remittance Ahead

Kung regular kang nagpapadala ng pera sa Pilipinas, magandang magplano ahead during Golden Week.

Before sending, check :

• Your remittance provider's operating schedule

• Bank processing schedules

• Payout availability

• Japanese holidays

• Philippine holidays

• When your beneficiary actually needs the money

If your family needs money for rent, tuition, bills, medicine, or another important expense, avoid waiting until the holiday itself.

11. What About Trains and Buses?

Public transportation continues operating during Constitution Memorial Day.

However, some services may follow :

土休日ダイヤ（Dokyūjitsu Daiya）

Weekend/Holiday timetable

If you're working on May 3, check your route beforehand.

Don't automatically assume your usual weekday train or bus schedule applies.

12. Expect Crowded Transportation

Because May 3 falls in the middle of Golden Week, transportation can become particularly busy.

Popular routes include travel from major cities such as :

• Tokyo

• Osaka

• Nagoya

• Fukuoka

to tourist and hometown destinations.

If taking the Shinkansen or a long-distance train, consider reserving your seat early.

13. Are Shops and Restaurants Open?

Many :

• Shopping malls

• Supermarkets

• Convenience stores

• Restaurants

• Theme parks

• Tourist attractions

remain open.

In fact, Golden Week is an important business period for tourism, retail, and entertainment.

This is also one reason many OFWs working in service industries may still have work during the holiday.

14. What Do People Do on Constitution Memorial Day?

Unlike some traditional Japanese holidays, there isn't one specific activity that everyone performs.

Many people simply :

• Travel

• Visit family

• Go shopping

• Visit parks

• Attend events

• Relax at home

• Continue their Golden Week vacation

Some people also use the occasion to learn about or discuss Japan's Constitution, government, history, and society.

15. Golden Week Planning for OFWs

Golden Week can affect more than travel.

Before the holiday period, consider checking :

Work

Do you have work or approved leave?

Salary

When is payday if the normal date falls near a holiday?

Banking

Will your transaction be processed normally?

Remittance

When does your family need the money?

Government Procedures

Do you need to visit City Hall or another public office?

Travel

Have you booked your transportation and accommodation?

A little planning can save you a lot of hassle.

Useful Japanese Words

憲法記念日（Kenpō Kinenbi） – Constitution Memorial Day

憲法（Kenpō） – Constitution

日本国憲法（Nihonkoku Kenpō） – Constitution of Japan

法律（Hōritsu） – Law

権利（Kenri） – Rights

国民の祝日（Kokumin no Shukujitsu） – National holiday

ゴールデンウィーク（Gōruden Wīku） – Golden Week

祝日（Shukujitsu） – National holiday

休日（Kyūjitsu） – Holiday / day off

Constitution Memorial Day Checklist for OFWs

•  Remember that Constitution Memorial Day is every May 3.

•  Check whether you have work.

•  Check your company's Golden Week schedule.

•  Complete important government procedures beforehand.

•  Check bank operating and processing schedules.

•  Plan important remittances ahead.

•  Check train and bus holiday schedules.

•  Reserve Shinkansen or flights early if traveling.

•  Expect tourist areas to be crowded.

•  Confirm business opening hours before visiting.

Tips for Filipinos in Japan

•   Don't automatically assume “national holiday = walang pasok.”

•  Ask your employer if you're unsure about your Golden Week schedule.

•  Avoid leaving important City Hall paperwork until Golden Week.

•  If your family needs money on a specific date, plan your remittance early.

•  Expect transportation and tourist destinations to be busier than normal.

•  Add Japan's national holidays to your calendar.

•  Use the holiday as an opportunity to learn more about the country where you live and work.

Constitution Memorial Day（憲法記念日） is observed every May 3 to commemorate the day Japan's current Constitution came into effect in 1947.

For OFWs, understanding the holiday is useful not only for learning about Japanese history and society, but also for practical planning.

Since it falls during Golden Week, remember to check your work schedule, government-office availability, banking arrangements, transportation, travel plans, and remittance needs ahead of time.

Sa PhilMoney, nais naming suportahan ang mga OFW sa Japan hindi lamang sa mabilis at ligtas na remittance, kundi pati na rin sa pagbibigay ng practical information para mas maging informed, prepared, at confident sa work and everyday life sa Japan.

Note : This article is intended for general information only. Regulations and procedures in Japan and the Philippines may change. Please verify the latest information with the appropriate government agency or official institution before taking action.