Bunka no Hi

Today (November 3rd) is a national holiday in Japan.  Bunka no Hi or Culture Day is a day to honor traditional Japanese culture. It is also the birthday of Emperor Meiji, who ruled Japan from 1867 until his death in 1912.  From 1927 until 1947, November 3rd was a holiday known as "Meiji Setsu".  In 1948, after World War II, the day became known as Culture Day. 

The Order of Culture Awards Ceremony usually takes place at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo as part of the celebration of Culture Day.  Awards are given to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to Japanese culture or to society as a whole. Past American recipients include former US Vice President Dick Cheney and three American astronauts who were aboard Apollo 11. Throughout Japan, festivals are held to celebrate traditional Japanese culture and customs. Many of these events will not be held this year due to the pandemic. 

Being a national holiday, I do not have work. My plan for the day is to spend time working on some Japanese stitching project, maybe Ainu, sashiko, kogin, temari, or maybe something else.