Japanese Events and Holidays in October

October is the month of “Kanna-zuki (=Tsuki) (神無月) “. It is said that, since gods from all over Japan gather in the Izumo region (in Shimane Prefecture) to discuss various matters, the gods disappear from the country. (This is folk etymology.)

Meaning of Kanji Characters: 神(Kami)=Gods, 無(Nashi)=Non, 月(Tsuki)=Month, The month with no Gods.

October 14th:  Sports no Hi (Sports Day)

It is one of Japan’s national holidays, and the purpose of this day is to “enjoy sports, cultivate a spirit of respect for others, and hope for the realization of a healthy and vibrant society”.

Previously, it was established as a national holiday in 1966 as “Taiiku no Hi (Health and Sports Day)” to commemorate October 10th, the day of the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, but since 2000, it has been the second Monday of October, and its name was changed to “Sports Day” in 2020.

This year, “Sports Day” was changed to July 23rd to coincide with the 2021 Olympic opening ceremony. 

October 31st:  Halloween

Halloween is not originally a Japanese event. Recently, however, more and more people, especially young people, are enjoying themselves in disguise.

What is autumn in Japan?

There are many autumn in Japan.
Autumn of Appetite, Sports, Art, Reading, and etc.
What kind of autumn are you enjoying?

Proverb

天高く、馬肥ゆる秋 (Ten Takaku Uma Koyuru Aki)
means, Autumn with the sky clear and blue, and horses growing stout.

Enjoy a good season!