April 29 is Midori No Hi - Greenery Day, It is a national holiday in Japan. It is used to be celebrated as the birthday of the late Emperor Showa, since 1989, following the accession to the Chrysanthemum Throne of the current Emperor Akihito, the name "Birthday of the Emperor" was changed to "Greenery Day” due to the late Emperor’s love of the greenery of the nation. It is also part of Golden Week.

After Emperor Showa's death the day still remained a holiday, but as a holiday to appreciate nature Many parks have activities involving tree planting and informative talks on environmental issues. This holiday is geared to increasing the awareness and love of nature by the people of Japan. Each year on this date, thousands of volunteers are mobilized to plant trees, to clean natural sites and to take part in public-awareness campaigns of their fellow-citizens about the environmental protection.