Skip to content

National Foundation Day in Japan

Advertisement

2028 holiday dates

Friday, 11 February 2028

Confirmed — source checked

This is the first listed date for this year; a separate observance date has not been assigned.

About National Day

Japan observes National Foundation Day, Kenkoku Kinen no Hi, on 11 February. It is the national holiday used by this page's broader “National Day” search intent; Japan's law calls it National Foundation Commemoration Day rather than simply National Day.

Advertisement

Public holiday / closure dates

  • — Public of holiday period · Confirmed — source checked

Bank, office and school arrangements require the applicable authority or institution notice. Missing scope data does not mean open.

Next supported occurrence

Thursday, 11 February 2027 · Confirmed — source checked

Next listed holiday day on or after today; this can be a closure day rather than the festival date.

2026 dates

  • — Public of holiday periodConfirmed — source checked

2027 dates

  • — Public of holiday periodConfirmed — source checked

Official sources and date status

Recorded confirmation and independent source review are shown separately. An institution-specific notice does not establish closure for every employer or school.

www8.cao.go.jp

Official public holiday law or calendar

Confirmed · Scope: public · Checked 2026-09-27

Japan’s Cabinet Office tables establish 2026 and 2027, including substitute and citizen’s holidays. The 2028 equinoxes remain provisional until the Cabinet Office publishes the annual list in February 2027.

Office arrangements

National and local government offices close because the date is a national holiday. Private operations vary, especially in retail and hospitality.

Bank arrangements

Bank of Japan offices close on national holidays, and retail branches generally follow holiday schedules. Electronic access may continue.

School arrangements

Schools normally do not hold regular classes, subject to exceptional institutional events.

History

The holiday was established under the National Holidays Act, with a Cabinet Order fixing 11 February. Its statutory purpose is to commemorate Japan's founding and cultivate national pride.

Why it matters

The day encourages reflection on the country's origins and development. It should not be confused with the Emperor's Birthday or Constitution Memorial Day.

Observance

Official and civic activities are generally modest. Some groups hold ceremonies, lectures or flag displays, while many residents use the day for leisure.

Travel and planning

Transport runs holiday timetables and leisure areas may be busier. When the date creates a long weekend, demand can increase.

Frequently asked questions

When is Japan's National Foundation Day?

It is fixed on 11 February.

What is its Japanese name?

Kenkoku Kinen no Hi.

Is this Constitution Memorial Day?

No. Constitution Memorial Day is a separate holiday on 3 May.

View all Japan public holidays 2028

Holiday guides

Advertisement

Holiday Tools

View all tools →