Marine Day is an annual celebration in Japan celebrated on the third Monday in July. Marine Day 2024 will be celebrated on Monday, July 15 in Japan. Also known as Ocean Day or Sea Day, Marine Day a public holiday in the country and is marked to thank and express gratitude for the ocean's bounty and to consider the importance of the ocean to Japan as a maritime nation. The day is marked by several ocean-related festivities and celebrations. The date roughly coincides with the end of the rainy season in much of the Japanese mainland. In this article, let’s know more about Marine Day in Japan 2024 date, the history and the significance of the annual observance. From Vampire Hosts to Sleeping With Beautiful Girls, Weird Café Experiences You’ll Get in Japan. 

Marine Day in Japan 2024 Date

Marine Day in Japan is annually celebrated on the third Monday in July. Marine Day 2024 falls on July 15, a Monday.

Marine Day History

Marine Day in Japan was known by the name ‘Marine Memorial Day’ until 1996 and was a national holiday in Japan. Since 2003, it has been observed on the third Monday of July. As per records, it was Shōzō Murata, the then Communications Minister, who designated the day in 1941 to commemorate the Meiji Emperor and his 1876 voyage in the Meiji Maru, an iron steamship constructed in Scotland in 1874. The voyage included a trip around the Tohoku region and a brief stop in Hakodate before returning to Yokohama on July 20 of that year. Japan To Launch Dating App To Boost Birth Rate. 

The day was not designated a national holiday until 1995, when it became the first holiday in the summer months i.e. in the year 1996. Marine Day in Japan was first observed on July 20, 1996, but the Happy Monday System legislation moved the date to the third Monday of July beginning in 2003.

Marine Day Significance

The ocean has been integral to Japanese culture for centuries, influencing various aspects of life, including cuisine, traditions, and art. Marine Day in Japan is a holiday dedicated to the ocean and its importance to the Japan’s culture, economy, and environment. On this day, families in Japan visit beaches such as Isshiki Beach in Hayama and swim, snorkel, surf, or dive and enjoy the beauty of nature.

Also, National aquariums also host special water-related events on this day. The day celebrates Japan's rich maritime heritage and emphasises the importance of the ocean to the nation's prosperity. It acknowledges the role of the sea in Japan's history, culture, and economy, highlighting the significance of maritime activities.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 15, 2024 09:39 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).