Showa Day is a Japanese annual Memorial day held on April 29. It is a public holiday and honors the birthday of Emperor Hirohito, who was the 124th Emperor of Japan, the reigning emperor of Showa era from 1926 to 1989.
According to the Democratic Party of Japan, the purpose of the holiday is a reminder of the past and encouraging the public to reflect on 63 years of Emperor Hirohito’s reign which Japan experienced many struggles, such as the Second Sino-Japanese War and World War Two.
“Sho” means “shining” or “bright”, “wa” means “peace”. Therefore, Showa is a symbol of enlightenment and peace, which exist in present Japan and is celebrated every year.
