Emperor's Birthday Description
Emperor's Birthday (天皇誕生日, Tenno Tanjobi) on February 23rd celebrates the birthday of Emperor Naruhito, who was born on this day in 1960 and ascended to the Chrysanthemum Throne on May 1, 2019, beginning the Reiwa era. It is the only day of the year when the inner grounds of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo are opened to the general public. Tens of thousands of well-wishers gather in the morning for one of three scheduled public appearances by the Imperial Family on the palace balcony, where the Emperor delivers a brief address and waves to the crowd while holding small Japanese flags. A congratulatory book is available for signing at the palace. Government offices, schools, and some businesses close. The date was previously celebrated as a public holiday when Emperor Akihito (Heisei era) reigned — his birthday on December 23rd was the holiday until his abdication in 2019. For the first time since 1989, Japan has a February national holiday for the Emperor's birthday. Most retail businesses and restaurants remain open as normal. The Imperial Palace East Gardens are also open to visitors throughout the day.
