Marine Day/Sea Day

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The third Monday in July is Marine Day (“Umi no Hi”) in Japan. First made a national holiday in 1995, Marine Day (which was originally known as Marine Memorial Day until its official change in 1996)—also known as Sea Day—is held to commemorate the Meiji Emperor’s return to the Port of Yokohama after a voyage to Tohoku and Hokkaido in 1879 and to honor and show gratitude to the ocean (which contributes significantly to Japan’s culture, economy, and history).

Though Marine Day was originally held on a set date of July 20th, legislation passed in 2003 shifted the holiday to the third Monday in July, giving students and workers a three-day weekend and a rare summer holiday (which, now, typically marks the start of summer vacation from school).

Because Marine Day in Japan is a relatively new holiday, it doesn’t have a long history of traditions. Today, many spend the day visiting a local beach or attending special events at aquariums. Others participate in water-based activities, like swimming, snorkeling, surfing, and mud-ball throwing. In the Odaiba District of Tokyo, many take in the view of the Rainbow Bridge and wait until evening, when 50,000 lanterns light up the night along the shoreline—while in Yokohama, a two-day Sparkling Twilight event is held, including a parade of ships decorated with lights, demonstrations, and fireworks.

How to prepare:

In observance of Marine Day, our offices will be closed on [insert date]. Please make sure to turn on your out-of-office message prior to leaving for the holiday.

How to observe Marine Day

Marine Day is a holiday that honors the ocean—and everything the ocean contributes to Japan. Here are some ideas to celebrate the holiday:

• Enjoy a beach day
• Visit an aquarium
• Attend a Marine Day festival