2021-04-29 Thu

Celebrated on 29th April, Showa Day in Japan commemorates the birth anniversary of Emperor Hirohito, who is now primarily referred to by his posthumous name, Emperor Showa.

Hirohito was born on 29th April 1901. He was formally appointed Regent of Japan at age 20. Hirohito assumed the throne in 1926, following his father’s death on 25th December. The period of his reign was named Showa, which can be roughly translated as “Japanese glory” or “radiant Japan”. After Hirohito’s death, the deceased Emperor was posthumously renamed, Emperor Showa.

Showa Day focuses on encouraging public reflection on the 63-year period of Hirohito’s reign rather than honoring the late emperor himself. Showa Day is the first day of the so-called Golden Week. It is the longest vacation period of the year in Japan, which includes four public holidays: Showa Day (April 29), Constitution Memorial Day (May 3), Greenery Day (May 4), and Children’s Day (May 5).

The above banknote is the 5 yen banknote issued in the year 1930 – during the reign of Emperor Hirohito. The banknote depicts the left-facing portrait of the emperor in the right vignette and the Royal Palace in the left.

Image Courtesy: Colnect.com