Japan’s Umi-no-hi, or Ocean Day, will be observed July 15 this year. This national holiday is the unofficial start of the summer season for students, but there are not official celebrations.

The holiday is observed on the third Monday of July each year.

This interesting holiday was officially recognized in 1995 to commemorate the Meiji Emperor’s 50-day excursion from Aomori to Yokohama on July 20, 1876. Today, Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force fully dress their ships with flags and banners to mark the occasion.

Japan’s National Holiday Act defines Ocean Day as a holiday to “give thanks for the blessings of the ocean, to reflect upon the importance of the ocean, and to hope and pray for the nation’s maritime success.”

Happy Ocean Day!

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