Culture Day (Japan)

Culture Day is a Japanese national holiday observed on November 3rd to promote culture and the love of freedom and peace. The date marks the promulgation of the Constitution of Japan in 1946, and before World War II it was celebrated as Meiji-setsu, the birthday of Emperor Meiji. The Order of Culture is conferred by the Emperor at the Imperial Palace on this day, and ceremonies honoring persons of cultural merit and arts festivals cluster around it. Many museums and galleries across Japan offer free admission, making it the centerpiece of the autumn cultural season.