The third Monday of July is a holiday in Japan called うみのひ (海の日) or Marine Day (literally means “Sea Day”). It’s always held on a Monday so people can have a three day weekend. Marine Day is a day where people go to the beaches and appreciate the beauty of the sea. The holiday is marked by a parade and a fireworks display.

Since Japan is a country that is surrounded by a body of water, Japanese people have always been aware of the sea. In ancient times, a water god called すいじん (水神) was widely revered by the Japanese people. It’s not coincidental that the sea is seen as a deity because the sea provides seafood, means of transport, and recreational fun.