On this national holiday, Japanese people thank their fellow workers or their efforts.
Kinro Kansha no Hi is the new name of the old festival Niinamesai – にいなめさい • 新嘗祭 (http://www.kankou-shimane.com/en/?p=1274).
Niinamesai was once one of the most important festivals in Japan. The peasants thanked the gods for the rich harvest and sacrificed their first sack of rice. In Germany, the “Erntedankfest” had a similar tradition in the past, and Thanksgiving is still THE most important family festival in America.
After the Second World War, the Japanese Thanksgiving was expanded and in honor of all workers in the country, the national holiday Kinro Kansha no Hi was established.
How do the Japanese spend the Kinro Kansha no Hi? The answer is shopping!
Although it is a national holiday, a lot of stores and shops are open. So there are people who have to work on this day, as well as on most other holidays.
If you do not spend your day in one of the big shopping centers, you might want to go on a trip to experience Japan’s beautiful nature and countryside. Autumn in Japan is very special.
The hunt for maple trees in Japan, with their red-colored leaves, is called Momijigari • もみじがり • 紅葉狩り. It is the most popular leisure activity for Japanese, and a must-see for visitors!
http://www.japanese-school-asahi.com/
