Japan calendar countdown
Labour Thanksgiving Day is getting closer.
Labour Thanksgiving Day falls on 23rd November, recognising work and giving thanks for the year's production.
Dates for 2026 to 2028 are listed below
Labour Thanksgiving Day in Japan
The modern holiday developed from an older harvest festival and is a national public holiday.
About Labour Thanksgiving Day in Japan
The holiday grew out of Niinamesai, an old imperial harvest rite in which new rice is offered to the deities. After the Second World War it was recast with an emphasis on labour rights and mutual respect between workers and employers. In November many families also visit shrines for Shichi-Go-San, a celebration for children aged three, five and seven.
When is Labour Thanksgiving Day in Japan?
Labour Thanksgiving Day is fixed on 23 November every year, and a substitute holiday is normally taken on the Monday when it falls on a Sunday.
| Calendar | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japan | Monday 23 November 2026 | Tuesday 23 November 2027 | Thursday 23 November 2028 |
Planning around Labour Thanksgiving Day
If you plan shrine visits for children's Shichi-Go-San around this long weekend, book photographers and kimono rental early, because November weekends are very popular. Work out shifts and childcare cover with the free shift planner, or browse every holiday countdown.
Labour Thanksgiving Day questions
How many days until Labour Thanksgiving Day in Japan?
The live counter at the top of this page shows the days, hours, minutes and seconds left until the next Labour Thanksgiving Day in Japan, using the time zone you choose. The dates for 2026 to 2028 are in the table above.
When is Labour Thanksgiving Day in 2027 in Japan?
Labour Thanksgiving Day falls on Tuesday 23 November 2027 in Japan.
What was Niinamesai?
Niinamesai is a traditional imperial ritual in which the Emperor offers the year's first rice harvest to the deities and eats it himself. The modern holiday replaced the older observance after the Second World War.