Greenery Day 2023: Date, History, Facts about Nature

Emperor Shwa, born Hirohito, was Japan's 124th monarch. Hirohito, who was born in 1901, ascended the throne in 1926 and ruled until his demise in 1989.

Greenery Day is annually observed on May 4 in Japan. The national holiday encourages individuals to commune with nature in order to convey gratitude and appreciation for its benefits. Originally, the holiday was celebrated on April 29 to honour the birthday of Emperor Shwa, who reigned from 1926 to 1989. In recognition of the wartime emperor’s fondness for greenery, the name of the holiday was altered from Birthday of the Emperor to Greenery Day when Emperor Akihito ascended the throne. The new holiday gained a new date, May 4, while April 29 was renamed Shwa Day.

The background of Greenery Day

Emperor Shwa, born Hirohito, was Japan’s 124th monarch. Hirohito, who was born in 1901, ascended the throne in 1926 and ruled until his demise in 1989. During his reign, he was known as “the Emperor” by Japanese citizens and “Emperor Hirohito” by foreigners. He was granted the posthumous title of Emperor Shwa. During the second Sino-Japanese War, which led into the Second World War, Hirohito reigned as emperor. During the reign of Hirohito, Japan’s role as an Axis Power became clear.

Uncertain is Hirohito’s participation in Japan’s alliance with Italy and Germany during World War II. Japan’s postwar narrative stated that Hirohito was a powerless figurehead who was coerced into signing the treaty. Later, some historians concluded that he may have played a more direct role than was previously believed. Hirohito remained emperor throughout the reconstruction of Japan following World War II.

Hirohito was also a marine biologist and was renowned for his love of environment. As his successor and son, Emperor Akihito, ascended the throne after Hirohito’s death in 1989, he decreed that April 29 be celebrated as Greenery Day to honour his father’s passion for nature and greenery without mentioning the controversies in which he was involved. In 2007, Akihito shifted Greenery Day to May 4, previously known as the National Day of Rest, and designated April 29 as Shwa Day.

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