In Japan there could not help but be a holiday that thanks to the sea, because the sea expanses for Japan — are both a bottomless world and an invaluable treasure. It is called Sea Day (Japanese). 海の日, Umi no hi), is a state day, legally defined as a day of gratitude to the ocean and hope for the prosperity of a maritime country and celebrated on the third Monday of July.
Cut off from large continents by the Sea of Okhotsk in the north, the Sea of Japan in the west, the Pacific Ocean in the east and the East China Sea in the south, Japan has at all times relied on the mercy of the sea. Since ancient times, all areas of life and production, the movement of people and the movement of goods, including the penetration of foreign culture into Japan, have been closely connected with the sea.
More than 400 years ago, the first foreigners came to Japan by sea, preaching Christianity and making their way to a closed country with «-woven and gingerbread. Later, in 1853, American Admiral M. entered the capital port of Uraga. Perry, and soon after that Russian Admiral E.V. landed at the southern port of Nagasaki. Putyatin. Both, making incredible diplomatic efforts, signed peace, trade and economic agreements with Japan.
The reason for the establishment of «sea day» in Japan was an event associated with the name of the highest person.
Back in 1876 (9th year of the Meiji period), the emperor on the steamer «Meiji» travels around the northern prefectures with greetings and safely returns to the port of Yokohama on July 20. In 1941, this date was immortalized under the name «Sea Jubilee». Gradually, throughout the country, at the initiative of people of maritime professions, the activity of the movement is increasing in order to deepen the people’s understanding of the importance of professions related to the navy, shipbuilding, and port work.
In the early 90s of the last century, increasingly aware of the importance of the sea for Japan, voices and speeches for the establishment of the national holiday — Sea Day became much louder. The result was not long in coming. After a partial revision of the «National Holidays Act, » in March 1995 has become Sea Day (Umi no hi) and an official holiday in Japan since 1996.
In 1995, a flag with meaning appeared at Sea Day. A paper boat made of red, green, blue and yellow flowers floats against a white background. It is noteworthy that this simple plot, embodying a large sea full of romanticism, was chosen from a huge number of amateur and professional works sent to the competition.
In recent years, due to the development of oceanology and the development of coastlines, as well as the growing popularity of maritime sports and diving in Japan, the country's maritime spaces have begun to provide increasing opportunities. In addition, the role of the sea in terms of environmental conservation has been reconsidered, and the environmental friendliness of the sea is becoming increasingly important every year.
In June 2001, the «Law on National Holidays» was again partially revised, and from 2003 Sea Day was moved to the third Monday in July. For people inseparable from the sea element, this is undoubtedly a great professional holiday, accompanied by numerous ceremonial events, speeches, and the opening of new offshore structures. And for everyone else, — is the desired three-day day off and an informal signal for the start of the summer holiday.