April marks a season of new beginnings in Japan. As cherry blossoms bloom, a new academic and fiscal year begins, and various traditional events take place. In this article, we will introduce annual events widely celebrated in April, along with their historical and cultural background.
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What Happens in April? Seasonal Traditions, Events, and Holidays
April Fools' Day (April 1st)
April 1st is April Fools' Day, a day for playing pranks and telling harmless lies for fun. While its exact origins are unclear, it is believed to have originated from the French tradition of "Poisson d'Avril" (April Fish) and later spread across Europe.
April Fools' Day was introduced to Japan during the Meiji era and gradually became a recognized custom. Nowadays, companies create humorous advertisements and campaigns to mark the occasion, often trending on social media. It has also become common for friends and families to enjoy lighthearted jokes with one another.
Easter (Movable Holiday)
Easter is one of the most significant holidays in Christianity, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The date changes each year, as it is observed on the first Sunday following the first full moon after the spring equinox. While Easter is not widely recognized as a religious holiday in Japan, it has been gaining popularity in recent years due to Western influences.
Many theme parks and department stores host Easter-themed events featuring colorful eggs and rabbit motifs, and more people are beginning to enjoy it as a springtime celebration.
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Cherry Blossom Viewing (Early April)
Hanami, or cherry blossom viewing, is one of Japan's most beloved spring traditions. It dates back to the Nara period when it was primarily enjoyed by the aristocracy. By the Heian period, cherry blossoms became a popular subject in poetry composed at the imperial court, and by the Edo period, the tradition had spread to commoners, who would gather under the blossoms for feasts and festivities to celebrate the arrival of spring.
Today, the tradition of eating and drinking under cherry trees remains popular. Since April marks the start of a new school and business year, many hanami gatherings double as welcome parties for new employees or students. Famous hanami spots include Ueno Park and Meguro River in Tokyo, Osaka Castle Park in Osaka, and Maruyama Park in Kyoto, attracting crowds of visitors.
Cherry blossom festivals are held across Japan, with many featuring nighttime illuminations for enjoying "yozakura" (cherry blossoms at night). In areas with food stalls, visitors can also sample local delicacies while soaking in the seasonal beauty. The peak bloom period varies by region, but in areas like Kanto and Kansai, the most beautiful sights can typically be enjoyed from late March to early April.
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Hanamatsuri (April 8th)
Hanamatsuri is a Buddhist festival celebrating the birth of Buddha, observed at temples across Japan on April 8th. This tradition is believed to have been practiced since Buddhism was introduced to Japan during the Asuka period. By the Heian period, it had become an official court celebration, and by the Edo period, it had spread among commoners.
During Hanamatsuri, a ritual called "Kanbutsu" is performed, in which people pour sweet tea over a Buddha statue. This custom is based on the legend that sweet rain fell when Buddha was born. Additionally, a small flower-adorned altar known as "Hanamido" is set up within temple grounds, housing a statue of the newborn Buddha. Visitors pray in front of it and pour sweet tea over the statue, wishing for good health and happiness.
In recent years, Hanamatsuri has become popular as an event for children, with many temples hosting picture book readings, sutra-copying experiences, and sweet tea tastings. Major celebrations take place at Kiyomizudera in Kyoto and Sensoji in Tokyo, attracting both locals and tourists.
Entrance and Enrollment Ceremonies (Early April)
April marks the beginning of the new school year in Japan, with entrance and enrollment ceremonies held at kindergartens, elementary, junior high, and high schools, as well as universities. This tradition dates back to the Meiji era when Japan's modern education system was established. Today, these ceremonies are important events that celebrate new beginnings, especially for students embarking on a new phase of their academic journey. Entrance ceremonies typically include speeches from the school principal, introductions of new students, the singing of the school anthem, and commemorative photo sessions, often attended by parents as well.
Since this season coincides with cherry blossom blooms, many families take photos under the sakura trees, making it a memorable occasion. The sight of children wearing their school uniforms for the first time is particularly heartwarming, making this event a deeply significant moment for families.
🌸 Read an article about Japan’s "entrance ceremonies"
Company Entrance Ceremonies (April 1st)
In Japan, many companies hold entrance ceremonies for new employees on April 1st. This practice became firmly established during the Showa era when the concept of lifelong employment was the norm. The ceremony serves as an important opportunity for new employees to learn about their roles and responsibilities in the workplace. Company entrance ceremonies typically include speeches from executives, an address by a representative of the new employees, and the presentation of appointment letters. These rituals mark the official transition into working life, reinforcing a sense of belonging as full-fledged members of society.
Many companies also conduct training programs following the ceremony to teach the basics of business etiquette and workplace expectations. Some organizations arrange networking events or group activities to strengthen bonds among new employees and help them understand the company’s values and culture.
New School Term (April 1st)
In Japan, the new school term begins on April 1st, with students assigned to new classes and homeroom teachers. This period is an opportunity to form new friendships and set fresh academic and extracurricular goals.
At elementary and junior high schools, orientation sessions are held to help students adjust to their new environment, including explanations of class rules and school life. Self-introductions and group activities also provide chances to connect with classmates. At high schools and universities, club recruitment activities peak at the start of the term, giving students the opportunity to join new groups and communities.
Jusan Mairi (April 13th)
Jusan Mairi is a traditional ceremony in which children, upon reaching the age of 13 (by the traditional Japanese counting system), visit temples and shrines to receive blessings of wisdom. This practice dates back to the Heian period when noble children celebrated their coming-of-age ceremony. It remains a significant event, particularly in the Kansai region, with Horinji Temple in Kyoto being one of the most famous locations for this ritual.
Turning 13 is considered an important milestone, marking the transition from childhood to adulthood. During Jusan Mairi, children dress in formal attire such as kimono or haori and hakama and visit temples with their families to pray for academic success and wisdom. A unique custom associated with this event is the belief that looking back after leaving the temple will cause the granted wisdom to escape. Therefore, children are encouraged to walk forward without turning around until they exit the temple grounds.
Many temples and shrines offer special charms for Jusan Mairi, and it is common for families to take commemorative photos. In recent years, this tradition has spread beyond the Kansai region, with temples across Japan hosting ceremonies to celebrate this important rite of passage.
Showa Day (April 29th)
April 29th is a national holiday in Japan that honors the birthday of Emperor Showa and serves as a day to reflect on the development and culture of the Showa era. Originally celebrated as Emperor Showa’s birthday, it was later renamed "Greenery Day" after his passing. However, in 2007, it was officially re-established as "Showa Day."
Various events and exhibitions focusing on the Showa period take place across Japan on this day. Museums and historical archives often hold special exhibits, while lectures and discussions about the Showa era are organized. Additionally, music events featuring classic songs from the period and retro-themed gatherings have become popular ways to commemorate the day.
🌸 Read an article about "Showa Day"
Golden Week (April 29th – May 5th)
Golden Week (GW) is one of Japan’s longest holiday periods, starting from Showa Day (April 29th) and continuing through Constitution Memorial Day (May 3rd), Greenery Day (May 4th), and Children's Day (May 5th). Since multiple national holidays fall within this period, schools and businesses often close, creating an extended break for travel, leisure, and homecoming visits. As a result, there is a surge in domestic and international travel, making it one of the busiest seasons for transportation and tourism.
During Golden Week, many destinations hold special events and festivals. Notable examples include the "Hakata Dontaku Port Festival" in Fukuoka and the "Hamamatsu Festival" in Shizuoka. Meanwhile, urban areas experience high foot traffic, with shopping malls, cinemas, and entertainment venues becoming exceptionally crowded.
🌸 Read an article about "Golden Week"
What’s in Season in April?
April marks the peak of spring, bringing a variety of fresh seasonal foods. Vegetables and seafood that have endured the cold winter months are especially rich in nutrients and flavor. Here are some of the best ingredients to enjoy in April and their main production areas.
Asparagus
Asparagus is at its best in spring, becoming tender and sweet. While green asparagus is the most common, white asparagus is also available during this season. Packed with vitamins A and C, as well as folic acid, asparagus is great for maintaining beauty and health. It can be simply boiled, stir-fried with butter, or even deep-fried as tempura.
The main production areas include Hokkaido, Nagano, and Saga Prefecture. Asparagus grown in regions with significant temperature differences tends to be sweeter and more flavorful.
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Green Beans
Green beans reach their peak season in April, offering a crisp texture and fresh taste. They are rich in beta-carotene and dietary fiber, making them beneficial for boosting immunity and promoting gut health. They are best enjoyed in salads, stir-fries, or lightly blanched as a side dish.
Major production areas include Chiba, Ibaraki, and Kagoshima Prefecture, where the warm climate allows for the cultivation of plump and juicy green beans.
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Young Ginger (Shinshoga)
Young ginger starts appearing in markets from April to early summer. Unlike regular ginger, it has a milder, more refreshing aroma and less fiber, making it easy to eat. It is high in vitamin C and antioxidants and helps keep the body warm. It is often pickled in sweet vinegar, added to rice dishes, or used as a garnish.
Kochi, Kumamoto, and Kagoshima Prefectures are the main production areas, with Kochi Prefecture being especially well-known for its high-quality young ginger.
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Shirasu
April marks the peak season for shirasu (baby sardines), making them especially fresh and delicious. They are an excellent source of calcium and DHA, making them a great choice for growing children and those looking to maintain bone health. Popular ways to enjoy shirasu include serving them over rice with a drizzle of soy sauce, cooking them with eggs, or using them as a pasta topping.
Main production areas include Shizuoka, Kanagawa, and Tokushima Prefectures. Among them, shirasu from Suruga Bay in Shizuoka is particularly famous nationwide.
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Firefly Squid (Hotaruika)
Firefly squid is a seasonal delicacy in spring, packed with nutrients such as vitamin A and taurine, which help with fatigue recovery and maintaining good eyesight. It can be enjoyed in various ways, including vinegared miso dressing, boiled, as sashimi, or even in rice dishes and tempura.
Main production areas include Toyama, Hyogo, and Shimane Prefectures. Toyama Bay, in particular, is famous for its firefly squid, attracting many visitors to witness the glowing spectacle of these unique creatures.
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Summer Mikan (Natsumikan)
A type of citrus fruit, summer mikan reaches its peak season from April to May. It has a refreshingly sweet and tangy flavor, making it a great source of vitamin C for boosting immunity and improving skin health. It is commonly eaten fresh or used in jams and jellies.
Main production areas include Yamaguchi, Ehime, and Kumamoto Prefectures. Yamaguchi Prefecture is particularly known as the birthplace of summer mikan.
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