Labor Thanksgiving Day in Japan: A Tribute to Hard Work and Community

Every November 23rd, Japan celebrates Labor Thanksgiving Day (勤労感謝の日, Kinro Kansha no Hi), a national holiday to show appreciation, or 感謝 (kansha), for the hardworking people who help society grow and thrive throughout the year . While not as festive as other holidays, this day is a meaningful occasion, reflecting Japan’s deep respect for labor and a spirit of mutual gratitude. Let’s take a look at it’s roots and how it is celebrated in modern times.

It All Started with a Harvest Festival

Labor Thanksgiving Day has its roots in the ancient Niinamesai (新嘗祭) harvest festival, which dates back to 660 BCE during the reign of Emperor Jimmu. The earliest mention of this ritual is found in Japan’s historical text, Nihon Shoki (The Chronicle of Japan). During Niinamesai, the Emperor would offer the season’s first rice harvest to the Shinto gods (kami) and then eat the rice as a symbol of gratitude for a bountiful harvest and prayers for the year ahead. 

Fast forward to the Meiji era (1868–1912), and Niinamesai became a publicly recognized event held on November 23. The ritual is still quietly observed by the Imperial Family today, but it is no longer the grand celebration it once was.

How WWII Shaped Labor Thanksgiving Day

Following World War II, Kinro Kansha no Hi was officially established in 1948 following Japan’s postwar Constitution, which emphasized fundamental human rights, including workers’ rights (5). During the American Occupation, Shinto holidays like Niinamesai were abolished by General Douglas MacArthur. In a move to align with labor-driven ideals, the holiday was repurposed to focus on honoring the hardworking citizens who helped rebuild the nation, drawing influence from the American Thanksgiving.

Though Niinamesai remains a private ritual of the Imperial Family, Labor Thanksgiving Day became a national holiday, shifting the focus to workers’ rights and expressing gratitude for their efforts.

How Japan Made Labor Thanksgiving Day Their Own

Unlike the U.S. Thanksgiving, which is known for its grand feasts and family gatherings, Kinro Kansha no Hi is a quieter, more reserved holiday. There are no grand parades or ceremonial turkey pardons. Instead, most businesses close, allowing workers to take a well-deserved break. People often use the day to rest, enjoy the outdoors, or spend time with family and friends.

While food isn’t the centerpiece of the holiday as it is in the U.S., some families still share a small `ごちそう` (gochisou), a traditional feast, to honor the harvest season. It's common for people to visit friends and family, bringing dishes like seaweed salad, and enjoy a casual, small celebration together.

One of the most touching aspects of Labor Thanksgiving Day is the way children participate. Across Japan, elementary school students create gratitude cards and small gifts to give to essential workers such as police officers, firefighters, healthcare workers, construction workers, and garbage collectors. These small gestures of appreciation help children understand the value of hard work and contribute to fostering a sense of community.

Children express their thanks by writing notes, pitching in with chores, or even cooking a meal to give their parents some time to relax. It’s a beautiful way to teach children the importance of gratitude, not just on this special day, but year-round.

While not connected directly to the holiday, the Nagano Ebisu-Ko Fireworks Festival takes place annually on November 23. Though it’s not related to Labor Thanksgiving Day, it adds a bit of sparkle to the day for those in the area.

Reflecting on the Spirit of Kinro Kansha no Hi

Labor Thanksgiving Day in Japan is a special occasion that may not make international headlines like the grand parades of the U.S. Thanksgiving, but it holds deep cultural and historical significance. It's a time to appreciate the labor force that contributes to Japan's prosperous and safe society. 

If you find yourself in Japan on November 23, take a moment to reflect on the quiet yet meaningful observance of this day. You might not see the grand feasts or loud celebrations, but you’ll certainly feel the spirit of gratitude that permeates the country. Kinro Kansha no Hi is a beautiful reminder of the value of hard work and mutual appreciation in our daily lives.

Picture Sources:

1. https://www.irasutoya.com/2013/09/blog-post_628.html (edited in Canva)

2. https://samukawajinjya.jp/img/festival/img-thm11-niinamesai-3-sp.jpg 

3. https://www.katsura.com/department/department/nutrition/20211123.html

4. https://obama-kodomoen.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/D75_1472_nx_R2-675x451.jpg

5. https://a2.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/16309-96558/1440x960!/nagano-nagano-ebisuk%C5%8D-fireworks-festival-96558.jpg

   
   

Sources:

1. https://web-japan.org/kidsweb/explore/calendar/november/labor.html

2. https://www.tokyoweekender.com/art_and_culture/japanese-culture/japan-labor-thanksgiving-day/

3. https://www.cpslippers.com/blogs/journal/labor-thanksgiving-day-in-japan-a-day-of-rest-and-paying-tribute?srsltid=AfmBOopzTawOcWn4uj_o4tmMG042QXOyLMm_we15iYTonhavIKQ1NPLQ

4. https://www.hanshin-neji.com/en/content/5478/labor-thanksgiving-day

5. https://study.gaijinpot.com/study-blog/holidays/labor-thanksgiving-day/

6. https://www.japanesepod101.com/blog/2020/11/06/labor-thanksgiving-day-in-japan/