Japanese nationals light paper lanterns to pays homage to the ocean on the third Monday in July.
Umi no Hi, a Japanese national holiday known as "Marine Day," "Ocean Day" or "Sea Day", was celebrated on July 17. To thank the ocean for its bounty and celebrate the importance of the sea for this island nation, Japan pays homage to the ocean on the third Monday in July with festivities including the lighting of paper lanterns.
The celebration originates from the 1940s but only became a national public holiday in 1995. As a relatively new holiday, there are no specific traditional ceremonies held in honor of Umi no Hi.
This three-day weekend is an opportunity for Japanese people of all ages to head to the coast for a breath of fresh air or take part in activities organized by the sea or in aquariums throughout the country.
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