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A young girl in a formal kimono holding  a large bag.
Cultural Holidays
  1. Calendars in Japan
  2. Fortune Calendar (Rokuyō)
  3. Events of the New Year's Period: Matsunouchi and Koshōgatsu
  4. Bean Throwing Day or Setsubun (February 3)
  5. Valentine’s Day (February 14)
  6. Doll Festival (March 3)
  7. White Day (March 14)
  8. Cherry Blossom Viewing Season or Hanami (late March to early April)
  9. Boys' Day, Children's Day, or Tango no Sekku (May 5)
  10. Mother’s Day (second Sunday in May)
  11. Father’s Day (third Sunday in June)
  12. Star Festival or Tanabata (July 7)
  13. Summer Greetings or Shochū Mimai (late July to early August)
  14. Summer Gift-Giving Season or Ochūgen
  15. Obon
  16. Seven-Five-Three or Shichigosan (November 15)
  17. Christmas Day (December 25)
  18. Winter Gift Giving Season or Oseibo
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Seven preschoolers in smocks, pose in front of a table, holding gifts they have made
Children make Father's Day gifts at school.
Photo from Tokushima Bunri University Kindergarten.
Father’s Day (third Sunday in June)
Father’s Day is celebrated on the third Sunday of June. Father’s Day was created in the United States later than Mother’s Day and came to be celebrated in Japan in the 1950s. Department stores contributed to popularizing Father’s Day by holding “Father’s Day sales” as a marketing strategy. Though sending flowers on Father’s Day is not nearly as common as on Mother’s Day, roses are the most popular choice, in contrast to carnations for Mother’s Day. Father’s Day gifts vary greatly, including neckties, alcohol, favorite foods, or items related to a hobby.
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