The Emperor's Birthday

The Emperor’s Birthday (Tennō Tanjōbi, 天皇誕生日) is a national public holiday in Japan honoring the reigning emperor. In 2026, it will be observed on Monday, February 23, the birthday of Emperor Naruhito, who was born on February 23, 1960. The date is established by Japan’s national holiday law and changes when the imperial succession brings a new emperor to the throne.

The modern holiday developed from earlier celebrations of the emperor’s birthday, which were especially formalized during the Meiji period as Japan created a modern constitutional state. Its date has changed with each reign: Emperor Hirohito’s birthday was April 29, Emperor Akihito’s was December 23, and Emperor Naruhito’s is February 23. Following Emperor Akihito’s abdication in 2019, December 23 ceased to be a national holiday, while February 23 became the official Emperor’s Birthday from 2020 onward. Today, the occasion is generally presented as a civic and ceremonial holiday rather than a state-sponsored expression of political authority, reflecting the emperor’s constitutionally defined role as the symbol of the state and the unity of the people.

The central tradition is the public birthday appearance at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. On the morning of February 23, Emperor Naruhito, accompanied by Empress Masako and other members of the Imperial Family, is expected to greet visitors from a palace balcony at an event commonly held at Nijubashi. Members of the public may assemble in the palace grounds, wave Japanese flags, and offer congratulations. The emperor traditionally delivers a brief birthday address expressing hopes for the well-being of the people and peace, after which congratulatory messages may be submitted through official channels.

The holiday is also observed through television coverage, newspaper features, official photographs, and news reports about the Imperial Family. Government offices, banks, schools, and many businesses close, although transportation, hospitality, and tourism services usually continue. Families may spend the day together, visit cultural sites, or enjoy seasonal winter foods rather than follow a single nationwide menu; common Japanese celebratory dishes such as sushi, wagashi sweets, and festive meals may be served. Appropriate greetings include “Tanjōbi omedetō gozaimasu” (“Happy birthday”) and, in a more formal context, “Heika no go-tanjōbi o kokoro yori o-iwai mōshiagemasu” (“I sincerely celebrate Your Majesty’s birthday”).