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Beyond Labor: The Sacred Roots of Japan’s Gratitude Ritual
Let me introduce another public holiday in November.
Every year, November 23rd is “Kinrō Kansha no Hi” (Labor Thanksgiving Day), one of Japan’s national holidays.
While this holiday often conjures the image of a day simply to thank those who work, a closer look at its roots reveals that it holds a deep culture and history unique to Japan, going beyond mere appreciation for “labor.”
In this article, we will delve into the true significance of Labor Thanksgiving Day and explain the decisive differences between it and the overseas “Labor Day.”
１. The True Purpose and Origin of Labor Thanksgiving Day
🎯 The “Purpose” Stipulated by the Public Holiday Act
The Act on National Holidays (Shukujitsu Hō) defines Labor Thanksgiving Day as follows:
“A day to esteem labor, to celebrate production, and for the nation to mutually give thanks.”
What is notable here is that it not only mentions “esteeming labor,” but also “celebrating production,” and the reciprocal aspect of “the nation mutually giving thanks.”
In short, it is a day composed of three elements:
- Recognizing the inherent dignity of work itself.
- Joyfully celebrating the results (production) obtained through that labor.
- Acknowledging and appreciating each other’s efforts.
🌾 The Surprising Origin: Niiname-sai (The Harvest Ritual)
The origin of Labor Thanksgiving Day lies in a traditional Imperial Court ritual deeply rooted in Japan’s rice cultivation culture. This is the “Niiname-sai.”
Niiname-sai is a highly important ritual practiced since ancient times, where the newly harvested crops (new rice, shinshū, etc.) are offered to the gods to give thanks for the blessings of the harvest, and the Emperor himself partakes of them.
- Pre-war: This Niiname-sai was a national holiday fixed on November 23rd.
- Post-war: In 1948 (Shōwa 23), partly due to the policies of the GHQ, the holiday was renamed to “Kinrō Kansha no Hi” to adapt its meaning to modern society, diminishing its aspect as a state ritual.
It can be said that the object of “thanks” expanded from the deities to the blessings of the harvest, and eventually to all those who work.
２. The Reason for the Fixed Date and Its Position as the Last Holiday of the Year
The fact that Labor Thanksgiving Day is fixed on November 23rd every year is because its origin, Niiname-sai, was established on this date from the Meiji era onward. It is not subject to the Happy Monday System, and the date never moves.
Furthermore, in the current Reiwa era, it holds the position of the last national holiday of the year.
- (※ Supplement: During the Heisei era, the last holiday of the year was the Emperor’s Birthday (December 23rd).
However, with the enthronement of the new Emperor, Labor Thanksgiving Day has once again become the last holiday of the year.)
３. Thorough Comparison! The Difference with Overseas “Labor Day”
“Kinrō Kansha no Hi” is often confused with overseas “Labor Day,” but their purpose, origin, and historical background are fundamentally different.
“Labor Day” Celebrating Workers’ Rights
| Comparison Item | Japan’s “Kinrō Kansha no Hi” | Overseas “Labor Day” |
| Date | November 23rd (Fixed) | Varies by country (e.g., US/Canada is the first Monday of September) |
| Origin | Japan’s traditional harvest ritual “Niiname-sai” | Labor union movements and workers’ rights acquisition movements |
| Main Purpose | Thanks, production, and the joy of harvest. A spirit of mutual appreciation. | Celebrating the social and economic achievements of workers. Strong elements of rest and celebration. |
| Historical Background | A modernization of Japanese culture and Imperial ceremonies based on an agricultural foundation. | Born from social movements aiming to improve working conditions after the Industrial Revolution. |
Key Differences
- “Thanks” vs. “Rights/Achievements”
- Thanks and harvest (production) are the keywords for Labor Thanksgiving Day.
- The primary purpose of Labor Day is to celebrate the achievements and rights of workers won through the labor movement.
- Completely Different Roots
- One has cultural roots stemming from Shinto ritual and rice cultivation.
- The other has historical roots originating from social change and political movements.
From this difference, it can be understood that “Kinrō Kansha no Hi” is a unique Japanese holiday, not merely a direct translation of “Thanksgiving Day” or “Labor Day.”
４. Conclusion: How to Spend Labor Thanksgiving Day
Labor Thanksgiving Day is the perfect opportunity to say “Thank You” to your family, colleagues, and everyone who supports you daily.
It is a day not only to express gratitude but also to feel the benefits (affluence) gained from daily labor and revitalize yourself for tomorrow. Why not spend the day doing just that?
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