Celebrating Marine Day: Honoring Japan's Oceans and Culture
A vibrant beach scene in Japan with clear blue waters and lush greenery. Families enjoy beach activities under a sunny sky, while a fisherman pulls a net of fish in the background. A Shinto shrine adds cultural depth, celebrating the harmony between nature and tradition.
Marine Day, known as Umi no Hi (海の日), is a beloved national holiday in Japan, celebrated on the third Monday in July. This special occasion is dedicated to expressing gratitude for the ocean's gifts and acknowledging its vital role in Japan's culture and economy.
The Origins of Marine Day
Marine Day was officially observed for the first time in 1996, but its history goes back to 1941 when it was initially celebrated as Marine Memorial Day (海の記念日). This day commemorated the Meiji Emperor’s 1876 journey on the Meiji Maru, an iron steamship built in Scotland. The voyage included a brief stop in Hakodate before returning to Yokohama on July 20. In 1995, Marine Day was declared a national holiday, marking it as the first summer holiday in Japan. Since 2003, it has been celebrated on the third Monday of July, due to the Happy Monday System legislation.
The Significance of Marine Day
Marine Day provides an opportunity to reflect on the ocean’s crucial role in Japan’s economy, culture, and daily life. The holiday often coincides with the end of the rainy season (梅雨 tsuyu) in many parts of Japan, making it an ideal time to enjoy the summer weather. It’s a day to appreciate the ocean’s bounty, from the seafood that graces our tables to the maritime activities that enrich our lives.
How Marine Day is Celebrated
On Marine Day, families and friends often head to the beach to swim, snorkel, surf, or dive. Popular beaches like Isshiki Beach in Hayama become lively hubs of activity. National aquariums across Japan also host special events and exhibitions related to marine life, providing an opportunity to learn more about the ocean's wonders.
A unique Marine Day activity is the "mud-ball throwing" event, where participants throw dried mud balls filled with microorganisms into rivers and oceans to help clean the water and improve its microbial population.
In Odaiba Marine Park, Tokyo, the Marine Day Lantern Festival is a breathtaking spectacle. Thousands of paper lanterns illuminate the beach, creating a magical atmosphere. Visitors can stroll among the lanterns, listen to live music, and enjoy the serene beauty of the illuminated coastline.
Marine Day and Shintoism
Marine Day is deeply connected to Shintoism, Japan’s indigenous religion, which emphasizes respect for nature and its divine spirits. The ocean, with its vast and mysterious beauty, is considered sacred. This spiritual connection fosters a profound appreciation and gratitude for the ocean’s gifts.
Join Us in Celebrating Marine Day
At OMAKON, we take pride in offering the finest seafood from the Toyosu Market in Japan. As we celebrate Marine Day, we extend our heartfelt thanks to our clients and partners who support our mission. Your appreciation for the ocean’s bounty helps us continue to provide the highest quality seafood.
Today, we invite you to join us in honoring the oceans. Whether you spend the day at the beach, visit an aquarium, or simply take a moment to reflect on the ocean’s importance, we hope you have a wonderful Marine Day. Thank you for your continued support, and may we all cherish and protect the oceans that sustain us.
Happy Marine Day! 🌊
