May Day in Japan

May Day is a big event in my homeland, but not for what most people associate May Day with. Globally, May Day is associated with the struggles and solidarity of workers. But in Europe, May Day pre-dates that movement in the 19th Century, and was historically a spring festival. And in my home country, Ireland, it is an ancient Celtic tradition marking the start of summer.

Therefore, May Day has always been a special day for me. In my home country it marks the start of warmer weather, less rain and lots of spring flowers. Even though I have been in Japan almost as long as I lived in my home country, I automatically have a pep in my step on May Day. Even though in Japan the date is more about the labor movements.

Japan held its first May Day gathering more than 100 years ago, in 1920. It was held at Ueno Park, and it signaled the rise of organized labor movements in the country. If they do something special for May Day in Japan now, I don't know about it. Have you ever heard of any May Day events in Japan?