Shōwa Day is observed in Japan every April 29 and commemorates the birth anniversary of Emperor Hirohito, posthumously known as Emperor Shōwa. Hirohito was born on April 29, 1901, and became Regent at the age of 20 due to his father's illness. The holiday encourages public reflection on the 63-year period of his reign, which was marked by significant events such as the Second World War and Japan's subsequent economic recovery. Originally celebrated as the Emperor's Birthday, it was renamed Greenery Day after Hirohito's death, before being designated as Shōwa Day in 2005. This holiday marks the beginning of Golden Week, the longest vacation period in Japan, during which many businesses close, allowing people to travel or visit family. The Shōwa era is characterized by both the rise of militarism and the transformation of Japan into a major economic power post-war.