Constitution Memorial Day

Constitution Memorial Day (憲法記念日, Kenpō Kinenbi) is a Japanese public holiday commemorating the adoption of the Constitution of Japan. It has been celebrated every May 3 since 1947 and is part of Golden Week, a series of consecutive national holidays in Japan.

After Japan’s defeat in World War II, Emperor Hirohito (Shōwa, 1901–1989) declared Japan’s surrender on August 15, 1945. Following this, General Douglas MacArthur and his occupation authorities, along with Japanese legal experts, quickly drafted a new constitution to align with Japan’s transformation into a democracy. The initial draft was completed in February 1946, meaning the drafting process did not take two years. The 1947 Constitution, which remains in effect today, was based in part on the Meiji Constitution (1889) but introduced several key changes:

• The sovereignty of the people
• Fundamental human rights
• The principles of separation of powers and local government

On November 3, 1946, Emperor Hirohito formally announced the new constitution to the public, and on May 3, 1947, it officially came into effect. Although the role of the emperor did not align with the new democratic framework, the imperial title was retained as a symbol of the Japanese people and the state, rather than a governing authority.

The Japanese Constitution is often called the "Pacifist Constitution" due to Article 9, which renounces war and prohibits Japan from maintaining armed forces for warfare. This clause has been a subject of ongoing political debate, as Japan has never amended its constitution since its adoption in 1947.

Since Constitution Memorial Day falls during Golden Week, many Japanese citizens spend the day enjoying public events and leisure activities. A major highlight of the holiday is the open house at the Japanese Parliament (National Diet Building), where visitors can tour the legislative chambers and observe the place where national decisions are made. Additionally, public lectures and educational programs are held, particularly for the younger generation, emphasizing the importance of the Constitution in Japan’s democratic development and governance.