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Kung nakatira o nagtatrabaho ka sa Japan, isa sa mga summer national holidays na dapat mong malaman ay :

海の日（うみのひ / Umi no Hi）

Marine Day

Marine Day is celebrated every third Monday of July. It is a Japanese national holiday dedicated to appreciating the benefits of the sea and wishing for the prosperity of Japan as a maritime nation.

For OFWs, magandang malaman ang meaning ng holiday na ito, especially since it can affect your work schedule, government transactions, banking, travel, and summer plans.

1. What Is Marine Day?

Marine Day（海の日 / Umi no Hi） is one of Japan's official national holidays.

Unlike holidays with a fixed date, Marine Day falls on :

The third Monday of July every year.

The official purpose is to appreciate the blessings of the sea and hope for the prosperity of maritime Japan.

In 2026, Marine Day fell on Monday, July 20.

2. Why Is the Sea Important to Japan?

Japan is an island nation surrounded by the sea.

For centuries, the ocean has played an important role in :

• Fishing

• Food

• Transportation

• International trade

• Shipping

• Tourism

• Culture

• Communication with other countries

The Japanese government notes that Japan has long depended on the sea for daily life, transportation, cultural exchange, and economic development.

So Marine Day is essentially Japan saying :

“Let's appreciate the sea and remember how important it is to our country and everyday lives.”

3. How Did Marine Day Start?

The history of Marine Day goes back to the Meiji era.

In 1876, Emperor Meiji returned to Yokohama by ship after traveling through the Tohoku region. He arrived safely at Yokohama Port on July 20.

The date later became known as Marine Memorial Day（海の記念日）.

Marine Day officially became a national holiday in 1996, originally celebrated on July 20.

4. Why Does the Date Change Every Year?

Marine Day used to be fixed on July 20.

However, beginning in 2003, it was moved to the third Monday of July.

This usually creates a three-day weekend :

Saturday + Sunday + Marine Day Monday

Kaya magandang opportunity ito for short summer trips—assuming wala kang work.

5. Is Marine Day the Start of Summer?

Marine Day isn't officially the first day of summer, but it falls during Japan's summer season.

Around this period, you may notice more :

• Beach trips

• Marine activities

• Summer festivals

• Seasonal events

• Outdoor activities

• Weekend travel

July is also designated as “Sea Month（海の月間）”, with events around Japan designed to increase public interest and understanding of the ocean.

6. What Do People Do on Marine Day?

There isn't one specific traditional activity everyone must do.

Many people use the long weekend to :

• Visit the beach

• Go swimming

• Visit aquariums

• Take boat trips

• Go fishing

• Travel

• Attend marine-related events

• Spend time with family

• Enjoy summer activities

Government agencies and organizations may also hold events related to the ocean, ships, ports, and maritime activities.

7. Do OFWs Automatically Have No Work?

Not necessarily.

Marine Day is a national holiday, but your actual work schedule depends on your :

• Employment contract

• Company calendar

• Shift schedule

• Industry

• Workplace rules

If you work in :

• Restaurants

• Hotels

• Convenience stores

• Factories

• Hospitals

• Retail

• Transportation

• Tourism

you may still be scheduled to work.

So remember :

“National holiday” doesn't automatically mean “walang pasok.”

Always check your company schedule.

8. Does Working on Marine Day Mean Extra Pay?

Not automatically.

A Japanese national holiday isn't necessarily the same as your legally designated statutory holiday under labor rules.

Whether additional pay applies depends on your work schedule, employment conditions, and whether the day is treated as your statutory holiday.

If you're unsure, check your :

• Employment contract

• Company rules

• Work calendar

• HR/payroll policy

9. Government Offices Are Generally Closed

Since Marine Day is a national holiday, government offices are generally closed.

This can include :

• City Hall

• Ward Office

• Government agencies

• Many public administrative counters

Kung may kailangan kang :

• Residence certificate

• Tax documents

• Address-related procedures

• My Number-related services

• Other government paperwork

plan to complete them on a regular business day.

10. Check Your Banking Schedule

Bank branches are generally closed on national holidays.

ATMs, mobile banking, and online banking may still be available depending on your financial institution, but some transactions may not follow the same processing schedule as a regular business day.

If you have an important payment, plan ahead.

11. Plan Your Remittance Ahead

Kung nagpapadala ka ng pera sa Pilipinas, check your remittance provider's schedule around the holiday.

Consider :

• Japanese bank holidays

• Philippine banking holidays

• Remittance processing times

• Payout availability

• When your beneficiary needs the money

If your family needs money for tuition, bills, groceries, medicine, rent, or an emergency, don't leave your remittance until the last minute.

12. Going to the Beach? Safety First!

Marine Day sounds like the perfect beach day—but summer water activities also require extra care.

Before swimming :

• Check weather conditions.

• Follow beach warnings.

• Swim only in permitted areas.

• Watch children closely.

• Avoid swimming alone.

• Don't enter rough water.

• Follow lifeguard instructions when present.

Don't underestimate waves and currents just because maraming tao sa beach.

13. Watch Out for the Summer Heat

July in Japan can be very hot and humid.

If you're spending Marine Day outdoors, bring :

• Water

• Hat

• Sunscreen

• Small towel

• Portable fan

• Appropriate clothing

Take regular breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas.

Beach day is fun. Heatstroke definitely isn't.

14. Don't Leave Garbage at the Beach

If you're having a picnic or beach trip, follow local garbage rules.

Don't leave behind :

• Plastic bottles

• Food containers

• Plastic bags

• Cans

• Barbecue waste

If there are no appropriate garbage bins, take your trash home.

Marine Day is about appreciating the sea—so leaving garbage beside it would be rather missing the assignment.

15. Check Local Beach Rules

Not every beach has the same rules.

Some may have restrictions concerning :

• Swimming areas

• Barbecue

• Camping

• Alcohol

• Smoking

• Pets

• Fireworks

• Parking

Look for signs or check the local municipality's information before your trip.

16. Expect Holiday Traffic

Because Marine Day usually creates a three-day weekend, popular destinations can become crowded.

Expect possible congestion at :

• Expressways

• Train stations

• Beaches

• Resorts

• Tourist destinations

• Parking areas

If you're driving, check traffic conditions and leave early.

17. A Good Opportunity to Explore Japan

For OFWs, Marine Day can also be an opportunity to discover another side of Japan.

Instead of staying home, you might :

• Visit a nearby beach

• Go to an aquarium

• Visit a port

• Take a short island trip

• Try fishing

• Walk along the waterfront

• Visit a seaside town

You don't need an expensive vacation. Even a short local trip can be a nice break from your usual work routine.

Useful Japanese Words

海の日（Umi no Hi） – Marine Day

海（Umi） – Sea / ocean

海水浴（Kaisuiyoku） – Sea bathing / swimming at the beach

海水浴場（Kaisuiyokujō） – Swimming beach

海岸（Kaigan） – Coast / beach

港（Minato） – Port / harbor

船（Fune） – Boat / ship

水族館（Suizokukan） – Aquarium

祝日（Shukujitsu） – National holiday

海の月間（Umi no Gekkan） – Sea Month

Marine Day Checklist for OFWs

• Remember that Marine Day falls on the third Monday of July.

• Check whether you have work.

• Check government-office schedules.

• Plan banking transactions ahead.

• Check your remittance schedule.

• Check weather conditions before going to the beach.

• Bring enough water during outdoor activities.

• Follow beach and swimming rules.

• Don't leave garbage behind.

• Check transportation and traffic conditions.

• Reserve accommodation early for popular destinations.

Tips for Filipinos in Japan

Kung may day off ka during Marine Day, magandang opportunity ito para ma-enjoy ang Japanese summer.

But remember :

Plan first before going out.

Check the weather, train schedules, traffic, and local beach rules. If you're bringing children, keep a close eye on them around the water.

And if may importanteng padala sa Pilipinas, check your remittance schedule ahead of the holiday instead of waiting until the last minute.

Marine Day（海の日 / Umi no Hi） is celebrated on the third Monday of July as a day to appreciate the benefits of the sea and wish for the continued prosperity of Japan as a maritime nation.

For OFWs, it's a good opportunity not only to learn more about Japanese culture, but also to enjoy summer, visit the seaside, spend time with family and friends, and take a well-deserved break when your work schedule allows.

Just remember: stay safe around the water, prepare for Japan's summer heat, respect the environment, and plan your banking and remittance needs ahead of the holiday.

Sa PhilMoney, nais naming suportahan ang mga OFW sa Japan hindi lamang sa remittance, kundi pati na rin sa pagbibigay ng practical information tungkol sa Japanese holidays, culture, safety, at everyday life para mas maging informed, prepared, at confident habang naninirahan 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.