Labor Thanksgiving Day 2025 in Japan

Labor Thanksgiving Day on November 23 honors hard work, productivity, and community contributions. It is a time to show gratitude to workers and celebrate peace, labor rights, and the value of cooperation.

Labor Thanksgiving Day: A Public Holiday?

Labor Thanksgiving Day (Kinrō Kansha no Hi) is a national public holiday in Japan, with most schools, offices, and businesses closed to honor workers and express appreciation for labor and societal contributions.

Labor Thanksgiving Day

Labor Thanksgiving Day, known as Kinrō Kansha no Hi, is celebrated every year on November 23. Its origins go back to an ancient harvest festival called Niiname-sai, where the emperor would offer the season's first rice harvest to the gods and pray for future prosperity. This Shinto ritual was practiced for centuries, reflecting Japan's deep respect for agriculture and labor.

After World War II, Japan adopted a new constitution and embraced democratic values. In 1948, the government transformed the traditional Niiname-sai into Labor Thanksgiving Day to promote respect for labor, human rights, and peace. The new holiday reflected Japan's shift from an emperor-centered culture to a society that values workers and equality. Although the original harvest ceremony still takes place privately within the Imperial Household, the national holiday has become a modern way to appreciate the role of workers in building a peaceful and productive society.

Observance of Labor Thanksgiving Day in Japan

Labor Thanksgiving Day is not a day of parades or fireworks but a quiet and respectful celebration of hard work and contribution. Families often take the day off to relax together, and children across the country participate in school activities that promote appreciation for community helpers. Many students write thank-you cards or make handmade gifts for people in essential services like police officers, sanitation workers, and healthcare professionals. These small gestures carry great meaning, showing gratitude and respect for everyday labor.

In workplaces, it is common for companies to acknowledge the efforts of their employees. Some may offer a small token of appreciation or host an informal gathering to recognize their staff. While there are no major public ceremonies, the spirit of the day is visible in the quiet gratitude shared among people. Local governments and unions sometimes organize educational events or panel discussions focused on labor rights, safety, and fair working conditions.

The importance of Labor Thanksgiving Day lies in its ability to connect Japan's agricultural past with its modern society. It reminds people that every product or service is the result of someone's hard work. This day encourages appreciation, unity, and reflection on how peace and prosperity are made possible by collective effort. Even without loud celebrations, the holiday holds deep value as a reminder of dignity in labor and the importance of mutual respect in everyday life.

Labor Thanksgiving Day Observances