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Kung nagtatrabaho at nakatira ka sa Japan, isa sa mga national holidays na makikita mo every spring ay :

昭和の日（しょうわのひ / Shōwa no Hi）

Showa Day

Showa Day is celebrated every April 29. It is an official national holiday dedicated to looking back on the turbulent Shōwa era, Japan's recovery, and reflecting on the country's future.

Para sa mga OFW sa Japan, mahalagang malaman ang holiday na ito dahil malapit din ito sa Golden Week, isa sa pinaka-busy na holiday periods sa Japan.

1. What Is Showa Day?

Showa Day（昭和の日） is a Japanese national holiday observed every :

April 29

The date was the birthday of Emperor Shōwa, whose reign lasted from 1926 until 1989.

The official purpose of the holiday is not simply to celebrate the former emperor. It is a day to reflect on the Shōwa period—a time of major upheaval, hardship, postwar recovery, and transformation—and think about Japan's future.

2. What Was the Shōwa Era?

The Shōwa era（昭和時代 / Shōwa Jidai） lasted from 1926 to 1989.

It was a major period in modern Japanese history that included :

• World War II

• Japan's defeat in 1945

• Postwar reconstruction

• Rapid economic growth

• Industrial and technological development

• Major changes in Japanese society and everyday life

Because of this complex history, Showa Day is primarily a day for reflection and remembrance, rather than simply celebration.

3. Why Is It Celebrated on April 29?

April 29 was the birthday of Emperor Shōwa.

After his death in 1989, April 29 became Greenery Day（みどりの日 / Midori no Hi）.

Beginning in 2007, April 29 officially became Showa Day, while Greenery Day was moved to May 4.

4. Is Showa Day Part of Golden Week?

Yes. Showa Day is generally considered the beginning of Japan's Golden Week holiday period.

The main Golden Week national holidays are :

• April 29 – Showa Day（昭和の日）

• May 3 – Constitution Memorial Day（憲法記念日）

• May 4 – Greenery Day（みどりの日）

• May 5 – Children's Day（こどもの日）

Depending on weekends and individual company schedules, some people take additional paid leave and enjoy a longer vacation.

5. Do OFWs Automatically Have the Day Off?

Not necessarily.

Showa Day is a national holiday, but that doesn't mean every employee automatically has no work.

Whether you have work depends on your :

• Employment contract

• Company calendar

• Shift schedule

• Workplace

• Industry

OFWs working in restaurants, hotels, factories, hospitals, convenience stores, retail, transportation, and other service industries may still have scheduled work.

Tip: Always check your company calendar instead of assuming walang pasok.

6. Do You Automatically Get Extra Pay?

Not always. 

A national holiday（国民の祝日） is not automatically the same as your legally designated statutory holiday.

Whether you receive additional pay depends on your employment conditions, working hours, and whether the day is considered your statutory holiday.

If you're scheduled to work, check your :

• Employment contract

• Company rules

• Payslip

• HR/payroll policy

7. Government Offices May Be Closed

Because Showa Day is an official national holiday, government offices are generally closed.

This can affect services at :

• City Hall

• Ward Office

• Government agencies

• Other public administrative counters

Kung may kailangan kang important documents or government procedures, mas magandang gawin ito before or after April 29.

8. Check Banks and Money Transfers

Many bank branches are also closed on national holidays.

ATMs and online banking may still be available, but the processing of some transactions can differ from a regular banking day.

For OFWs who regularly send money to the Philippines, magandang habit na i-check ang remittance processing schedule around Golden Week.

Don't wait until the last minute if your family urgently needs the money.

9. Expect Heavy Travel During Golden Week

Golden Week is one of Japan's busiest travel seasons.

You can expect :

• Crowded trains

• Busy airports

• Full Shinkansen services

• Highway traffic

• Crowded tourist attractions

• Higher demand for hotels

Accommodation in popular destinations can also book out well in advance.

If you're planning a vacation, book your transportation and accommodation early.

10. Check Your Train and Bus Schedule

Public transportation continues operating, but some services may follow a :

土休日ダイヤ（Dokyūjitsu Daiya）

Weekend/Holiday Schedule

If you're working on Showa Day, check your train or bus schedule before leaving home.

Your usual weekday service may be different.

11. What Can You Do on Showa Day?

There is no specific activity that everyone must do.

Many people use the holiday to :

• Spend time with family

• Travel

• Visit parks

• Go shopping

• Visit museums

• Relax at home

• Learn about Japanese history

• Start their Golden Week vacation

As a foreign resident, it can also be a good opportunity to learn more about how modern Japan developed.

12. What Is “Shōwa Retro”?

While living in Japan, you might encounter the term :

昭和レトロ（Shōwa Retoro）

Shōwa Retro

It refers to nostalgic designs, objects, shops, food, music, and atmosphere associated with the Shōwa period.

You may see :

• Retro cafés

• Old shopping streets

• Vintage advertisements

• Classic Japanese toys

• Old appliances

• Traditional-style restaurants

It's a fun way to see how everyday life in Japan looked several decades ago.

Useful Japanese Words

昭和の日（Shōwa no Hi） – Showa Day

昭和（Shōwa） – Shōwa era

祝日（Shukujitsu） – National holiday

休日（Kyūjitsu） – Holiday / day off

ゴールデンウィーク（Gōruden Wīku） – Golden Week

みどりの日（Midori no Hi） – Greenery Day

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

こどもの日（Kodomo no Hi） – Children's Day

昭和レトロ（Shōwa Retoro） – Shōwa Retro

Showa Day Checklist for OFWs

• Remember that Showa Day is every April 29.

• Check whether you have work.

• Check your company's holiday schedule.

• Complete important City Hall procedures before the holiday.

• Check bank and remittance processing schedules.

• Check train and bus holiday timetables.

• Book Shinkansen, flights, and hotels early if traveling.

• Expect crowded tourist destinations during Golden Week.

• Plan important payments and remittances ahead.

Tips for Filipinos in Japan

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

•  Check with your employer if you're unsure about your schedule.

•  If you're sending money home for an important expense, plan ahead around Golden Week.

•  Avoid last-minute travel bookings.

•  Check government-office schedules before visiting.

•  Add Japanese national holidays to your phone calendar.

•  Use the holiday as an opportunity to learn more about Japan's history and culture.

Showa Day（昭和の日） is more than just another holiday in Japan.

Observed every April 29, it is a day to reflect on the Shōwa era—a long and complex period marked by major upheaval, hardship, recovery, and transformation.

For OFWs, Showa Day is also important because it comes at the beginning of the Golden Week period. Knowing the holiday schedule can help you better plan your work, travel, banking, government appointments, and remittances.

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 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.