As of 2000, there were 15 national holidays authorized under the Law concerning National Holidays (kokumin no shukujitsu ni kansuru Horitsu). In addition, in 1992 May 4 was designated as a principal holiday; along with 3 national holidays, it is part of the period from April 29 to May 5 that is popularly known as Golden Week. The 14 national holidays are as follows:

Ganjitsu (New Year's day): January 1.

Seijin no Hi (Coming-of-Age Day): January 10 - This holiday honours people who attain the age of 20 years.

Kenkoku Kinen no Hi (National Foundation Day): February 11 - Nationalistic commemoration of the legendary enthronement of Japan's first emperor, Jinmu.

Shumbun no Hi (Vernal Equinox Day): About March 20 - Visits to family graves and family reunions occur on this day, the central day of a seven-day Buddhist memorial service (higan'e).

Midori no Hi (Greenery Day): April 29 - In 1989 this was designated as a day for nature appreciation. Prior to that the birthday of Emperor Showa was celebrated on this day.

Kempo Kinembi (Constitution Memorial Day): May 3 - Commemoration of the day the Constitution of Japan became effective in 1947.

Kodomo no Hi (Children's Day): May 5 - Day set aside for praying for the health and happiness of Japan's children. Traditionally celebrated as the Tango Festival (Tango no Sekku).

Umi no Hi (Marine Day): July 20 - Day for people to express gratitude for the gifts of the sea and pray for the prosperity of Japan as a maritime nation.

Keiro no Hi (Respect-for-the-Aged Day): September 15 - Day honouring Japan's elderly and celebrating their longevity. Established to commemorate the enactment of the Law concerning Welfare for the Aged (Rojin Fukushi Ho) in 1966.

Shubun no Hi (Autumnal Equinox Day): September 23 - Visits to family graves and family reunions occur on this day, the central day of a seven-day Buddhist memorial service (higan'e).

Taiiku no Hi (Sports Day): October 9 - Day on which good physical and mental health are fostered through physical activity.

Bunka no Hi (Culture Day): November 3 - Day on which the ideals articulated in Japan's postwar constitution - the love of peace and freedom - are fostered through cultural activities.

Kinro Kansha no Hi (Labour Thanksgiving Day): November 23 - Day on which people express gratitude to each other for their labours throughout the year and for the fruits of those labours.

Tenno Tanjobi (Emperor's Birthday): December 23 - Celebration of the birthday of Japan's present Emperor, Akihito