Japan to celebrate mountains every 11 August
11.08.2015
Starting next year today will be a holiday in Japan when, on 11 August 2016, the nation will honour its extensive mountain regions. Influenced by Shintoism, Japanese culture tends to emphasize people’s connection with nature, recognizing the role it plays in our lives. With 70 percent of the archipelago covered in peaks, mountains are integral to the topography and ecology of the nation. Activities such as hiking, camping and wintertime skiing are favourite pastimes for many of Japan’s residents.
The legislation establishing Mountain Day states that it is designed to share ‘opportunities to become familiar with mountains and appreciate the blessings from mountains.’ The legislation was passed by Japan’s Parliament following a campaign conducted by the Japanese Alpine Club (JAC) as well as other groups with an interest in mountains. The JAC called for the new holiday, citing Japan’s cultural connection to nature and saying that Japan needs to celebrate its peaks.
Because of the natural isolation and slopes of the archipelago, Japan is home to many unique species found no where else on earth. Many unique mountain species, such as the Japanese Serow, inhabit the higher regions above the tree-line, and their existence is dependent upon the mountains they inhabit. Japan’s new mountain holiday is meant to celebrate these species and their unique beauty in addition to the grandeur of the peaks.
With the addition of Mountain Day, Japan will enjoy 16 national holidays per year. When the holiday is first observed, 11 August will join holidays such as Vernal Equinox Day, Greenery Day, Ocean Day and Autumnal Equinox day in celebrating Japan’s cultural connection to nature. While the United Nations General Assembly designated 11 December ‘International Mountain Day’ in 2003, Japan is the first national government to institute a holiday honouring mountains. Several universities in the United States enjoy mountain-themed holidays from classes including Mount Holyoke College, Smith College and Williams College. Mount Holyoke’s celebration is the oldest such holiday, dating back to 1838.
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Photo: Flickr/Mike Raybourne
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