A day for the scouts of Japan

Does Japan have boy / girl scouts? Yes, there are scouts in Japan. The Scout Association of Japan is the major scouting organization of Japan. It was originally formed, for boys only, as Boy Scouts of Japan in 1922. It became gender neutral in 1995 and the name was changed to the Scout Association of Japan. And today, and September 15th annually, is "Scout Day". 

Originally the anniversary was on Children's Day, but it was changed to September 15th in 1990. It was originally called "Scout Service Day", but the name was changed to "Scout Day" in 1991. There are other anniversaries related to the scouts in Japan annually. Such as Boy Scout Founding Day on February 22nd and Girls Scout Day on May 22nd. 

Occasionally I see the scouts participating at festivals in Japan, particularly Children's Day festivals. The featured photo was taken at a Children's Day festival where the Scouts had a tent. They not only had public relations material available at the tent, but several activities children could try for free.

I was a girl scout as a child and thoroughly enjoyed it. I had thought I might get my children to join, but it wasn't to be. Unfortunately, my town did not have a branch of the Scouts when my children were young. Were you in the Scouts as a child? Are you or your children involved in the Scouts here in Japan?