Origin & history
Marine Day was established in 1996 as a national holiday to express gratitude for the blessings of the ocean and to hope for the prosperity of Japan as a maritime nation. The date was originally July 20, commemorating the 1876 voyage of Emperor Meiji aboard the Meiji Maru, a lighthouse inspection ship. The emperor returned safely to Yokohama on July 20 after a journey through northern Japan, and the day was first celebrated as Marine Day in 1941 as a commemorative day before becoming a full public holiday in 1996. In 2003, the holiday was moved to the third Monday of July under the Happy Monday System to create a three-day weekend.
Customs & traditions
Marine Day is celebrated with various ocean-related activities across Japan. Many people visit beaches, aquariums, and maritime museums. Fireworks displays and water sports such as swimming, surfing, and diving are common. Special events include the open deck tours of Japan Coast Guard vessels and the Marine Day Festival in Tokyo, which features boat parades and marine conservation exhibits. Traditional foods are not specifically tied to the holiday, but seafood is often enjoyed, such as sushi, sashimi, and grilled fish. Families also use the long weekend for trips to coastal areas, BBQs, and summer festivals (matsuri), especially in regions like Okinawa and the Izu Islands where ocean culture is strong.
Why it is celebrated
Marine Day is significant as a day to appreciate the ocean's importance to Japan, an island nation surrounded by sea. It raises awareness of marine resources, environmental protection, and the contributions of maritime industries. The holiday also serves as a reminder of the cultural and historical connection between the Japanese people and the sea, fostering a sense of gratitude and responsibility toward the ocean ecosystem.