Recently in Tokyo, swimming has become an all-year-round activity, such as at our local public swimming pools, or at private fitness clubs. However, not too long ago, we used to have to wait until the summer to swim in the swimming pool of our school, in the sea or in the river. Many of us have fond memories of going swimming in the sea with our families. Beaches near Tokyo, such as Shonan Beach or beaches in the Miura Peninsula in Kanagawa Prefecture or Chiba prefecture, are very popular, crowded spots in the summer. How about creating some fun memories by enjoying swimming in the sea?

Marine Day is now recognized by law as a national holiday, observed on the third Monday of July, for the purpose of showing gratitude for the third Monday of July, for the purpose of showing gratitude for the bounty of the sea and wishing for the prosperity of Japan, a maritime nation. This law was passed in 1995, and came into effect in 1996. Marine Day was first enacted to be on July 20th, but in 2003 the date was changed to the third Monday of the month in order to create a three-day weekend in accordance with the “Happy Monday System”. July 20th is well-grounded in history, being celebrated as Umi no kinenbi (the Anniversary of the Sea) before it became an official national holiday. On July 20th, 1876, the Meiji Emperor returned to Yokohama Harbor, not on his usual warship, but on a lighthouse patrol ship called, Meijimaru. Thus, “the Anniversary of the Sea”, was established in 1941 to commemorate his return.

Umibiraki (opening the beach) marks the start of swimming season as the ocean beaches open to the public. On Umibiraki, religious Shinto rituals are held on various shores, praying for the safety of beach goers. As the Japan Islands stretch a long way from the north to the south, the day of Umibiraki varies from place to place. It is generally held on July 1st in Honshu, but in Okinawa, where the climate is warm, Umibiraki is held in March or April. The earliest Umibiraki is held on January 1st, and has been held on that day since 1982, in the Ogasawara Islands, small southern islands in Metropolitan Tokyo. When the beaches open, various safety measures are taken, such as stationing safety guards and lifeguards and setting shark or jellyfish-deterring nets. Crowds of happy beachgoers congregate in temporary cottages, or what we call, Umi-no-ie, to rest, change clothes, and to purchase and enjoy food and drinks.