Constitution Memorial Day

Constitution Memorial Day is a Japanese holiday celebrated each year on 3rd May. It commemorates the new Constitution which was introduced on 3rd May 1947.

Following the end of World War II, Japan was disarmed and forbidden ever to wage war again. The Government was democratised in accordance with American wishes, and the monarchy was totally restructured, with many of the Emperor’s powers stripped away.

Unlike the Meiji Constitution that it replaced, the current Constitution declares that sovereignty lies with the people; the Emperor is "the symbol of the State and the unity of the people" who has no "powers related to Government." It asserts that people have fundamental human rights and renounces war.

The anniversary of the Constitution coming into force is marked with ceremonies around the country. Thousands of people attend lectures on the role the Constitution has played for over 50 years.

The Diet building itself is opened to visitors for this day. A lot of families walk through the halls, which are usually off-limits to ordinary people, and many people are seen taking snapshots in front of the building.

Constitution Memorial Day is the second of four public holidays which fall into what is commonly called "Golden Week".