Labor Thanksgiving Day

Day 727, 18:40 • Published in Japan Japan • by Nihon no Koe

This month eJapan celebrates Labor Thanksgiving Day (勤労感謝の日, Kinrō kansha no hi) on November 23rd!

The origins of this festival date back to the days of the first Emperors, as a rice harvest festival called Niiname-sai (新嘗祭) known to be held in November 678. The Emperor would receive the first rice of the year and bless it in the name of the Kami. He would then be the first to partake of the rice.



The modern version of the festival focuses on the hard efforts of Japanese workers, as well as being a time to reflect on peace, human rights, and the environment. In Tokyo, school children bring painting and crafts to the local police officers



Here in eJapan we will also be celebrating Labor Thanksgiving Day! First, to show our appreciation for the soldiers who give of their time and effort to labor for the Japanese Armed Forces we will be sponsoring a drawing contest with a Q1 house as the prize. Entries must be submitted to Nihon no Koe by the 21st. The winner will be chosen by cabinet.

We will also be sponsoring a competition for the owners of Japan's grain and food companies. Write a short paragraph about why your company produces the finest grain or food in Japan and the winners will receive the blessings of the Emperor himself. After entries are submitted by Nov 20th, the Emperor will choose a grain company. That company will provide one grain to the food company of the Emperor's choice. One of the units of food produced from that grain on the 22nd of November will be bought by the Emperor who will bless it and partake of it on the 23rd, along with the entire grain harvest of Japan from q1 to q5 throughout the year.



Stay tuned to Nihon no Koe for contest updates and announcements!