If you plan to study in Japan, understanding Japanese culture goes beyond language classes and university lectures. Living in Japan as an international student means experiencing national traditions firsthand, including important public holidays like National Foundation Day (建国記念の日 – Kenkoku Kinen no Hi).
Celebrated every year on February 11, National Foundation Day is one of Japan’s official national holidays. While it may seem quiet compared to other celebrations, it plays an important role in understanding Japanese identity and history.
Here’s why this holiday matters when you’re living and studying in Japan.
What Is National Foundation Day in Japan?
National Foundation Day commemorates the legendary founding of Japan and the accession of its first emperor, Emperor Jimmu.
Today, the holiday serves to:
- Reflect on Japan’s origins
- Appreciate the country’s history
- Foster national pride and unity
For international students in Japan, it typically means a day off from language school or university classes, but it’s also an opportunity to observe Japanese traditions up close.
What National Holidays Teach You About Living in Japan
When you study abroad in Japan, national holidays become cultural learning experiences.
Unlike commercial holidays such as Halloween or Valentine’s Day, National Foundation Day is:
- Symbolic and reflective
- Rooted in tradition
- Less commercial and more cultural
You may see Japanese flags displayed, small shrine ceremonies, or community gatherings. Many people simply spend the day quietly with family.
Experiencing this as a student helps you better understand:
- Japan’s respect for history
- The role of tradition in modern society
- How national identity is expressed differently from that in Western countries
This deeper cultural awareness is one of the biggest benefits of studying in Japan.
Student Life in Japan During National Holidays
Living in Japan as a student means adapting to the country’s calendar of public holidays.
On National Foundation Day, students often:
- Enjoy a long weekend if the holiday falls on Friday or Monday
- Travel locally within Japan
- Visit cultural sites or museums
- Relax and explore their city
If you’re enrolled in a Japanese language school or university program, this is the perfect time to practice your Japanese in real-world settings, whether at a shrine, museum, or local café.
National holidays become part of your everyday student life in Japan, not just something you read about in textbooks.
A Moment to Reflect on Your Own Foundation
National Foundation Day is about beginnings.
As an international student, it’s also a meaningful time to reflect on your own journey:
- Why did you choose to study in Japan?
- What foundation are you building for your future career?
- How is living in Japan shaping your global perspective?
Studying abroad is more than academics; it’s personal growth.
Why Cultural Experience Matters When You Study in Japan
Many students choose Japan for:
- High-quality education
- Japanese language learning
- Career opportunities in Asia
- Unique cultural experiences
National holidays like National Foundation Day remind you that Japan’s innovation and global influence are built on centuries of history and tradition.
When you live here, you don’t just learn about Japan, you experience it.
That cultural immersion is what makes studying in Japan truly transformative.
Start Your Study in Japan Journey
If you’re thinking about studying in Japan, understanding Japanese culture is just the beginning.
At DEOW Japan, we help students from around the world:
- Apply to Japanese language schools
- Enroll in universities in Japan
- Explore short-term and long-term programs
- Prepare for student life in Japan
Your future in Japan starts with one step.
And one day, you may be spending February 11 as a student here, experiencing National Foundation Day not as a tourist, but as part of your new life in Japan.
