Japan calendar countdown
Showa Day is getting closer.
Showa Day falls on 29th April and begins Japan's Golden Week holiday period.
Dates for 2026 to 2028 are listed below
Showa Day in Japan
Showa Day is one of several national holidays clustered during Golden Week.
About Showa Day in Japan
Showa Day recalls Emperor Hirohito, who was born on 29 April 1901 and reigned as the Showa Emperor from 1926 to 1989, an era that included war, defeat and rapid postwar recovery. The holiday invites reflection on those turbulent years. It was introduced in 2007, replacing the Greenery Day that had previously been held on this date.
When is Showa Day in Japan?
Showa Day is fixed on 29 April every year, and when it falls on a Sunday a substitute holiday normally follows on the next Monday.
| Calendar | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japan | Wednesday 29 April 2026 | Thursday 29 April 2027 | Saturday 29 April 2028 |
Planning around Showa Day
Golden Week prices rise quickly, so book flights and trains early, and consider travelling the weekend before or after to avoid the most crowded days. Work out shifts and childcare cover with the free shift planner, or browse every holiday countdown.
Showa Day questions
How many days until Showa Day in Japan?
The live counter at the top of this page shows the days, hours, minutes and seconds left until the next Showa Day in Japan, using the time zone you choose. The dates for 2026 to 2028 are in the table above.
When is Showa Day in 2027 in Japan?
Showa Day falls on Thursday 29 April 2027 in Japan.
What is Golden Week in Japan?
Golden Week is a cluster of public holidays from late April to early May, usually Showa Day, Constitution Memorial Day, Greenery Day and Children's Day. Many companies add leave, making it one of Japan's busiest travel periods.