We wish to ensure that you are well-informed about our shipping schedule. We ship every day, except on weekends and the dates listed below.
For those who might be interested, at the end of this page, we have provided a brief explanation of Japanese national holidays and their cultural context. This can give you a deeper understanding of the traditions and celebrations that shape our shipping schedule throughout the year.
2024 Shipping Holidays
- 1 Jan (Monday) to 3 Jan (Wednesday) - New Year's Holiday
- 8 Jan (Monday) - Coming of Age Day
- 12 Feb (Monday) - National Foundation Day (Observed)
- 23 Feb (Friday) - The Emperor's Birthday
- 20 Mar (Wednesday) - Vernal Equinox Day
- 29 Apr (Monday) - Shōwa Day
- 3 May (Friday) - Constitution Memorial Day
- 6 May (Monday) - Children's Day (Observed)
- 15 Jul (Monday) - Marine Day
- 12-14 Aug (Monday-Wednesday) - Festival of Obon
- 16 Sep (Monday) - Respect for the Aged Day
- 23 Sep (Monday) - Autumnal Equinox (Observed)
- 14 Oct (Monday) - Health and Sports Day
- 4 Nov (Monday) - Culture Day (Observed)
- 25 Nov (Monday) - Labour Thanksgiving Day (observed)
- 31 Dec (Tuesday) - Year-end Holiday
Understanding Japanese National Holidays and Their Timings
Japanese national holidays are steeped in tradition and play a significant role in the country's cultural calendar. While these holidays punctuate the year with moments of celebration and reflection, they also affect the operational timings of businesses, including our shipping services.
The dates for Japanese national holidays that fall on a specific day of the week, rather than a fixed calendar date, vary each year. This is because some holidays are observed based on a 'Happy Monday System,' which Japan introduced to create three-day weekends. Here are some examples:
- Coming of Age Day is observed on the second Monday of January.
- Marine Day is on the third Monday of July.
- Respect for the Aged Day is celebrated on the third Monday of September.
- Health and Sports Day is on the second Monday of October.
Equinox holidays are subject to astronomical observation and vary slightly from year to year.
Here's a glimpse into the essence of these holidays and when they are observed.
- Coming of Age Day (成人の日 Seijin no Hi)
- Observed on the second Monday of January, this day celebrates young people reaching the age of 20, marking their official entrance into adulthood.
- National Foundation Day (建国記念の日 Kenkoku Kinen no Hi)
- On February 11th, this holiday honors the mythical foundation of Japan and the accession of its first Emperor, Jimmu.
- The Emperor's Birthday (天皇誕生日 Tennō Tanjōbi)
- The current emperor's birthday, February 23rd, is a national celebration with public ceremonies.
- Vernal Equinox Day (春分の日 Shunbun no Hi)
- Typically falling on or around March 20th, this holiday signifies the arrival of spring and is associated with the natural world's rejuvenation.
- Shōwa Day (昭和の日 Shōwa no Hi)
- April 29th is the beginning of Golden Week, reflecting on the Shōwa era, a period of intense upheaval and subsequent reconstruction.
- Constitution Memorial Day (憲法記念日 Kenpō Kinenbi)
- May 3rd marks the promulgation of Japan's post-war constitution, an integral part of the Golden Week.
- Greenery Day (みどりの日 Midori no Hi)
- On May 4th, this day is dedicated to appreciating nature's beauty, contributing to Golden Week’s festive spirit.
- Children's Day (こどもの日 Kodomo no Hi)
- May 5th is set aside for the happiness and well-being of children, completing the Golden Week with colorful carp streamers and family celebrations.
- Marine Day (海の日 Umi no Hi)
- Celebrated on the third Monday of July, this holiday appreciates the ocean's bounty and Japan's maritime history.
- Mountain Day (山の日 Yama no Hi)
- August 11th is the newest addition to the holiday calendar, encouraging people to enjoy and honor the nation's mountainous landscapes.
- Respect for the Aged Day (敬老の日 Keirō no Hi)
- On the third Monday of September, this holiday pays homage to the elderly, with communities often holding celebrations to honor their senior members.
- Autumnal Equinox (秋分の日 Shūbun no Hi)
- Observance of this holiday varies around September 22nd or 23rd, marking the changing seasons with family gatherings and visits to ancestral graves.
- Health and Sports Day (体育の日 Taiiku no Hi)
- On the second Monday of October, this day promotes physical health and commemorates the Olympic games held in Tokyo in 1964.
- Culture Day (文化の日 Bunka no Hi)
- November 3rd is a celebration of culture, the arts, and academic endeavor, with various events hosted throughout the country.
- Labour Thanksgiving Day (勤労感謝の日 Kinrō Kansha no Hi)
- Marked on November 23rd, this holiday is a modern manifestation of the ancient harvest festival, now celebrating labor and giving thanks for productivity.