Japan’s public holiday tally climbs to 16 with Mountain Day

Japan yesterday established Mountain Day as its new public holiday, taking the annual total to 16 as the government looks for ways to keep a famously hard-working people out of the office.

Legislation to create the new holiday on August 11 was enacted after passing through the upper house with the support of a majority of ruling and opposition lawmakers.

It came after the Japanese Alpine Club and other mountain-related groups lobbied for the bill, claiming that Japan - where Shintoism's animistic beliefs have shaped the culture - needed to celebrate its hills.

Japan already marks Marine Day, which is sometimes translated as Ocean Day, on the third Monday of July.

The legislation states that the day is designed to share "opportunities to get familiar with mountains and appreciate blessings from mountains".

A large chunk of Japan's landmass is mountainous and walking or trekking is a popular pastime, particularly among older Japanese. The mountains also bless Japan with excellent skiing throughout the winter, with high- quality snow.