Bunka no Hi ( Culture Day )

Authored by : Julius Wahyu Ceicario / 9 February 2021

Bunka no Hi are one of the Japanese national holidays. Bunka no Hi are national holiday which serve to promote freedom, peace, and preserve cultural heritage. At first 3 November 1868 are special day for the Japanese because that day are the day Meiji emperor born until the day he passed in 1912. In 1927, this day are renamed to Meiji Setsu, national holiday to respect Meiji emperor.

The importance of the word “freedom”, “peace”, and “culture” just promoted after world war 2. When Japan announce their commitment to preserve cultural heritage based on freedom and peace as regret for World War II crime. United States General Hedquarters (GHQ) Are not happy if there is holiday that related to emperor. So the Meiji Setsu renamed to Bunka no Hi, a day to promote peace by giving freedom to art and culture.

Nowadays there is many festival and activity related to Bunka no Hi such as art exhibition and award to artist and academist. Many people visit art, history, and science museum at Bunka no Hi because the entrance are made free for that day. The main event for Bunka no Hi are Order of Culture Award Ceremony which celebrate public figure who give contribution to art, literature, sport, science, and technology. The awardee are given certificate by emperor in a formal ceremony at emperor palace.