Every March, Japan turns a little bit greener.
What started as a celebration of Ireland’s national holiday has grown into a huge international event across Japan, with parades, festivals, music, and parties taking place from Tokyo all the way down to Okinawa.
Saint Patrick’s Day takes place every year on March 17 and has been celebrated in Ireland for over 1,000 years. Today, millions of people around the world join the celebrations by wearing green clothes, watching parades, and enjoying Irish culture — and Japan is no exception.
One of the biggest events is the Green Ireland Festival held in Yoyogi Park. The festival is packed with Irish music, dancing, food, cultural events, and lots of people dressed entirely in green. Families, tourists, students, and local residents all join together, giving the whole event a really fun atmosphere.
Japan and Ireland have actually had diplomatic relations for almost 70 years, and the Tokyo St. Patrick’s Day parade itself has been running for nearly 30 years.
The parade through Tokyo is especially lively, with marching bands, dancers, mascots, and crowds cheering from the sidewalks. Even if you don’t know much about Ireland, it’s hard not to get caught up in the energy.
One funny thing is how easy it is to find green clothes and party goods in Japan during March. Shops like Don Quijote, DAISO, and Claire’s often stock St. Patrick’s Day accessories, hats, and decorations. Sometimes even supermarkets and department stores join in with Irish-themed campaigns.
The celebrations aren’t limited to Tokyo either. Many cities across Japan hold their own smaller parades, music sessions, and Irish pub events throughout March.
What makes St. Patrick’s Day in Japan so interesting is how international it feels. You’ll see Japanese families, foreign residents, tourists, musicians, and students all celebrating together. It’s less about nationality and more about joining the fun.
So if you happen to be in Japan during March, why not wear something green and join a parade or festival yourself?
For more information about events around Japan, you can check Irish Network Japan (INJ).
Comment