2025 Happy Easter. How is Easter Celebrated in Japan.NEW

Easter is not a traditional holiday in Japan and is not widely celebrated. Unlike Christmas or Valentine’s Day, which have become popular through Western influence, Easter remains relatively unknown among the general population. It is not recognized as a national holiday, and most people in Japan do not take part in religious or cultural Easter traditions.

However, in recent years, Easter has started to appear in a fun, commercial way. Major theme parks like Tokyo Disneyland and Universal Studios Japan sometimes host seasonal Easter events featuring colorful eggs, rabbits, spring flowers, and photo spots. These attractions use the holiday as an opportunity to create cheerful, family-friendly experiences during the spring season.

Shops, bakeries, and department stores may also sell limited-time Easter-themed sweets, chocolates, and goods, mostly targeting children and tourists. Some international schools and preschools might hold small Easter egg hunts or crafts to introduce the custom to young learners.

While not a traditional Japanese event, Easter is slowly gaining a playful presence in some areas of modern Japanese life-mainly through entertainment and retail. For travelers or residents interested in unique seasonal experiences, these events offer a fun twist on spring in Japan.

Orgins of Easter
Easter originates from Christianity and commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which is believed to have occurred three days after his crucifixion. According to the New Testament of the Bible, Jesus rose from the dead on the third day following his burial, an event seen as a cornerstone of the Christian faith. Easter is celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox, usually between March 22 and April 25.

The holiday also has roots in older springtime traditions that celebrated renewal and rebirth. The name "Easter" may come from Eostre, a pagan goddess of spring and fertility. Over time, Easter has incorporated symbols like eggs and rabbits, which represent new life and fertility, blending Christian and seasonal traditions into a global celebration of hope and renewal.

Holiday in Japan and United States
In Japan, most businesses stay open on national holidays, and Easter is not traditionally celebrated. While schools and government offices may close for certain holidays, many private companies remain open unless it's during major periods like Golden Week or New Year's.

In the United States, federal holidays like July 4th, Thanksgiving, and Christmas typically mean closures for government offices, banks, and schools, while private businesses may or may not close depending on the holiday.

Easter is celebrated culturally and religiously in the U.S., but it’s not an official federal holiday.