Japan Marine Day

Japan Marine Day, also known as Umi no Hi (Ocean Day or Sea Day), is observed annually on the third Monday of July.

The national holiday celebrates the blessings of the sea and recognizes the ocean's importance to Japan's history, culture, economy, and maritime heritage. It promotes marine conservation, sustainable ocean use, and appreciation for the sea. Marine Day became a national holiday in 1996 and has been observed on the third Monday of July since 2003.

The observance originated as Marine Memorial Day, established in 1941 to commemorate Emperor Meiji's safe return to Yokohama aboard the Meiji Maru on July 20, 1876, following the final leg of his Tōhoku and Hokkaido tour.

Japan Marine Day is marked with boating, sailing, beach visits, aquarium programs, maritime exhibitions, educational activities, and beach clean-ups, highlighting Japan's maritime heritage, fisheries, shipping, ocean science, and environmental protection.