While for many an extra-long holiday would be something to celebrate, Japan’s 10-day break to mark the emperor’s abdication has received a lukewarm response.
Japan’s parliament approved the break to celebrate the ascension of emperor-in-waiting Naruhito, which will begin on 27 April.
The holiday will then join with a regular national public holiday known as “Golden Week”, which runs until 6 May.
Although many have booked to travel abroad, others have expressed their concern about not knowing how to spend their time and over a lack of childcare.
A survey conducted by the Asahi Shimbun newspaper found 45 per cent of Japanese people “felt unhappy” about the long holiday, compared to only 35 per cent who said they “felt happy”.
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