Public holidays in Japan (国民の祝日, kokumin no shukujitsu) are 16 nationally recognised days each year when most employees are entitled to a paid day off. The Happy Monday System moves some holidays to Mondays for long weekends, and when a holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday becomes a substitute holiday (振替休日). As an employer, you need to know which holidays apply, how to pay employees, and how the substitute holiday system works.
Japan’s public holiday system is governed by the Act on National Holidays (祝日法). The 16 holidays reflect Shinto traditions, Buddhist observances, national history, and modern celebrations. This guide covers all Japanese public holidays for 2026 and your obligations under the Labour Standards Act.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Consult a Japanese employment lawyer for guidance specific to your organisation.
2026 Japanese Public Holidays
| Holiday | Date | Day | | ———————————————————– | —————————————————– | ——— | —— | | New Year’s Day (元日, Ganjitsu) | 1 January | Thursday | | Coming of Age Day (成人の日, Seijin no Hi) | 12 January | Monday | | National Foundation Day (建国記念の日, Kenkoku Kinen no Hi) | 11 February | Wednesday | | Emperor’s Birthday (天皇誕生日, Tennō Tanjōbi) | 23 February | Monday | | Vernal Equinox Day (春分の日, Shunbun no Hi) | 20 March | Friday | | Shōwa Day (昭和の日, Shōwa no Hi) | 29 April | Wednesday | | * | Constitution Memorial Day (憲法記念日, Kenpō Kinenbi) | 3 May | Sunday | | Greenery Day (みどりの日, Midori no Hi) | 4 May | Monday | | Children’s Day (こどもの日, Kodomo no Hi) | 5 May | Tuesday | | Marine Day (海の日, Umi no Hi) | 20 July | Monday | | Mountain Day (山の日, Yama no Hi) | 11 August | Wednesday | | Respect for the Aged Day (敬老の日, Keirō no Hi) | 21 September | Monday | | Autumnal Equinox Day (秋分の日, Shūbun no Hi) | 23 September | Wednesday | | Sports Day (スポーツの日, Supōtsu no Hi) | 12 October | Monday | | Culture Day (文化の日, Bunka no Hi) | 3 November | Tuesday | | Labour Thanksgiving Day (勤労感謝の日, Kinrō Kansha no Hi) | 23 November | Monday |
Note: Constitution Memorial Day (3 May) falls on a Sunday. Under the substitute holiday system, the following Monday (4 May) becomes a substitute holiday. However, Greenery Day is already observed on 4 May, so the substitute moves to 6 May — but 6 May is not a public holiday. In practice, the government typically designates a specific substitute day for this scenario.
The Happy Monday System
Japan’s Happy Monday System moves certain holidays to the nearest Monday to create long weekends:
| Holiday | Original Date | Moved to Monday |
|---|---|---|
| Coming of Age Day | 15 January | 2nd Monday in January |
| Marine Day | 20 July | 3rd Monday in July |
| Respect for the Aged Day | 3rd Monday in September | 3rd Monday in September |
| Sports Day | 2nd Monday in October | 2nd Monday in October |
In 2026, these holidays already fall on Mondays, so no movement is needed.
Substitute Holiday System (振替休日)
When a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday becomes a substitute holiday:
- Constitution Memorial Day (3 May) falls on a Sunday → Monday 4 May is the substitute holiday
- Greenery Day is already 4 May → This creates a scheduling issue that the government resolves by designating a specific substitute day
The substitute holiday system ensures employees still receive their day off even when a holiday falls on a weekend.
How to Pay Employees on Public Holidays
Fixed Salary Employees
Fixed salary employees receive their regular monthly salary for public holidays. The holiday is included in their salary — no additional payment is required.
Hourly Employees
For hourly-paid employees:
- If a public holiday falls on a day the employee would normally work, they receive pay for their normal hours
- If the public holiday falls on a non-working day, they receive nothing (unless the employment contract provides otherwise)
Calculating a Day’s Pay
- Fixed salary: Monthly salary ÷ average working days per month (typically 20-22)
- Hourly: Hours normally worked × hourly rate
Example: An employee earning ¥300,000/month works Monday to Friday. Vernal Equinox Day (20 March) falls on a Friday. Their daily pay is ¥300,000 ÷ 22 working days = ¥13,636.
Working on Public Holidays
Japanese law does not prohibit work on public holidays. However:
- Labour Standards Act requires premium pay if the employee works on a public holiday
- Employment rules (就業規則) typically specify the premium rate
- Industry practice generally provides time-and-a-half or higher
Common Premium Rates
| Situation | Premium |
|---|---|
| General practice | Time-and-a-half (150%) |
| Essential services | Varies by employment rules |
| Overtime above regular hours | 25% additional premium |
Substitute Day Entitlement
If an employee works on a public holiday, they are entitled to a substitute day off within a reasonable period. The specific timing depends on the employment rules.
Public Holidays and Annual Leave
Public holidays that fall during an employee’s annual leave (年次有給休暇) do not count as annual leave days. If a public holiday occurs while the employee is on leave, their leave is extended by one day.
Example: An employee takes annual leave from 1-6 May 2026. Constitution Memorial Day (3 May), Greenery Day (4 May), and Children’s Day (5 May) fall within this period. The employee uses 0 leave days (all 3 holidays are red days) plus 3 regular days, but the actual calculation depends on the employee’s work schedule.
Cultural Considerations
Japanese public holidays reflect the country’s unique blend of traditions:
- Shinto and Buddhist observances: New Year, Vernal/Autumnal Equinox, Obon (not a public holiday but widely observed)
- National history: Constitution Memorial Day, Shōwa Day, National Foundation Day
- Modern celebrations: Marine Day, Mountain Day, Sports Day
- Family and community: Children’s Day, Coming of Age Day, Respect for the Aged Day
Understanding the cultural significance helps employers show respect and build trust with Japanese employees.
Common Mistakes
Forgetting Substitute Holidays
When a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is a substitute holiday. Failing to observe the substitute day is a violation of the Act on National Holidays.
Not Extending Annual Leave
Public holidays during annual leave must be excluded from the leave count. Failing to extend leave results in under-compliance.
Incorrect Pay Calculations
Using the wrong divisor (e.g., 30 days instead of 22 working days) can result in incorrect daily pay calculations.
Ignoring Employment Rules
Japanese employment rules (就業規則) often specify premium rates for holiday work. Failing to follow them is a violation.
Key Takeaways
- Japan observes 16 public holidays each year — all are mandatory
- When a holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is a substitute holiday
- The Happy Monday System moves certain holidays to Mondays for long weekends
- Fixed salary employees receive regular pay for public holidays
- Public holidays during annual leave extend the leave period
- Employment rules typically specify premium rates for holiday work
Managing Japanese public holidays — especially the substitute holiday system and employment rule variations — requires careful tracking. Leave Balance automates holiday calendars so you never miss an entitlement.