Serenity of the Sea: Celebrate Marine Day
Submerge into the serenity of the sea, whether you’re beach-bound this summer, admiring sealife at an aquarium, or enjoying fresh sushi- there’s much to be thankful to the ocean for. Join with Japan in celebrating Marine Day, and learn more about why the ocean is at the heart of Japanese life.
As an island country completely surrounded by water, the ocean and its bounty have naturally had a major influence on Japanese life and culture. From the fishing industry, to popular seafood dishes like sushi and sashimi, to the ocean’s importance in shintoism- it is an ever-present force in Japanese life.
To honor and pay respect to the seas Japan celebrates Umi no Hi, or Marine Day, a national holiday dedicated to the ocean. This summertime holiday is held on the third Monday of July, and falls at the end of the rainy season, making for a long weekend perfect for relaxing beach trips or family visits to the aquarium. Aside from enjoying a long weekend off from work and classes, there is a deep respect for the ocean and its power, rooted in Shinto beliefs. In Shintoism, there is a spiritual connection to natural elements and forces, and water plays an important role, symbolizing life and purification. Shinto festivals honor water deities, such as Watatsumi, the deity of the sea.
However, relative to many of Japan’s other holidays and cultural traditions, Marine Day is a more modern holiday. Originally known as Marine Memorial Day, the date marked when Emperor Meiji returned from his imperial nautical tour of the country on the Meiji Maru, docking in Yokohama on July 20th 1876. This date was memorialized in 1941, and then in 1996 was changed to Marine Day, and was recognized as a national holiday dedicated to celebrating the ocean. There aren’t any official festivals or ceremonies to celebrate Marine Day, but different regions and cities celebrate in their own unique ways, with lantern lighting festivals, concerts, and even beach clean-ups and conservation efforts.
Though the ocean covers 70% of the earth’s surface, Japan is quite unique in being the only country with a holiday dedicated to celebrating the seas. Join in and celebrate the ocean this summer, and explore our ocean inspired and beach-ready picks.
