Labor Thanksgiving Day 2025

Happy Labor Thanksgiving Day 2025

Labor Thanksgiving Day is a national holiday in Japan, celebrated on November 23rd.

Its purpose is “to honor labor, celebrate production, and allow people to express gratitude to one another.”

It was established in 1948, during Japan’s postwar reconstruction period, as a day to recognize and appreciate the work and productivity that supported the nation’s recovery.

The holiday traces its origins to the ancient Shinto ritual Niinamesai, in which newly harvested crops were offered to the deities. That spirit of giving thanks for the year’s harvest continues to be reflected in today’s holiday.

Niinamesai has been performed as an imperial court ceremony since ancient times. During the ritual, the Emperor offers the first grains of the harvest to the gods and partakes of them himself in a sacred act of thanksgiving.

Wishing you and everyone a wonderful Labor Thanksgiving Day!