April events: April Fool's Day, Flower Festival, Entrance Ceremony, Easter

April in Japan|List of Events and Occasions to Feel the Breath of Spring (Latest 2026)

April is a good month for Japan. “The month symbolizing ”new beginnings". It is.
The new year begins with the blooming of the cherry blossoms, and with it comes a plethora of holidays, traditional events, and seasonal festivals. In this article, we will take a look at some of Japan's favorite events in April. Cultural background, origin and enjoyment This presentation will be presented in an easy-to-understand manner with

1|April Fool's Day (April 1)- A Western spring game of “enjoying lies

April Fool's Day is a day of humor on April 1 every year, when “light-hearted lies are allowed. It is said that April Fool's Day was first introduced to Japan during the Meiji period (1868-1912), and initially became popular among a small group of intellectuals.

There are many theories as to its origin,From the confusion that accompanied the reform of the European calendarSome people believe that it is the origin of the "Good Day to Lie," while others believe that it is the remnant of a festival to celebrate the arrival of spring.

Modern Enjoyment

  • Social networking sites and corporate “lie campaigns” are gaining momentum.
  • It has become a day for families to laugh at little jokes.
  • Cute lies" and "Surprises" that elementary school students can easily participate in are popular.

It is a perfect event for a small family event to enjoy the season together!

2|Entrance and joining ceremony (early April)- An important milestone that symbolizes Japan's unique "new year culture

In Japan, April is the “beginning of the school year” for schools and companies. In Japan, April is the "beginning of the school year" for schools and companies, and entrance and initiation ceremonies are important anniversaries for families as well. In Japan, the entrance ceremony is a solemn ceremony to celebrate a child's new beginning.
Mother's attireThe "formal look appropriate for the ceremony" and the "spring-like softness" are also required.

Basic "semi-formal" entrance ceremony attire is recommended!

Because the entrance ceremony is not as solemn as the graduation ceremony,Semi-formal for a glamorous and bright impressionis the best choice.

Tweed jacket x flared skirt, collarless jacket x dress, set-up suit made of high quality materialsA good impression is achieved when the attire is well-balanced between "neatness" and "brightness," such as the following.

Popular colors for entrance ceremony

  • beige
  • ivory
  • light gray
  • Navy (somewhat glamorous)
  • Pastels (light pink, mint, sax, etc.)

Beige and ivory are particularly photogenic and go well with the cherry blossom season.

Clothing that is likely to be NG

The following items are not appropriate for the entrance ceremony and should be avoided.

  • All black (reminiscent of graduation or mourning)
  • Clothing that is too casual (knitwear, denim, sneakers, etc.)
  • Prominent brand logo
  • Designs with a lot of exposure
  • Flashy accessories and perfumes

3|Hana Matsuri (April 8)- A gentle spring event to celebrate Buddha's birthday

The Hana Matsuri is a festival of the founder of Buddhism, the Buddha's birthday It is held on April 8, which falls on the same day as the first day of the month. It is officially called "Kambutsukai (Buddha's Birthday)," and has a history in Japan dating back to the Nara period (710-794).

A small hall decorated with flowers called “Hanamido” is set up, and "sweet tea" is sprinkled on the Buddha at his birth, who is enshrined inside. This ceremony is based on the legend that nectar fell on Buddha when he was born.

At the festival, surrounded by spring flowers and a gentle atmosphere,A day to experience the emotional Japanese culture It is popular as a

5|Easter- Spring celebrations“ are becoming increasingly popular in Japan.”

Easter is one of the most important Christian festivals celebrating the "Resurrection of Jesus Christ" and is a mobile holiday that falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the vernal equinox. Colorful decorations with motifs of eggs and rabbits, symbols of life, adorn the streets and homes. It is also a celebration of the coming of spring and rebirth, and is widely enjoyed as an event for families to gather together and share joy. -Sunday, April 5, 2026

🥚 Customs and foods practiced abroad

Easter in other countries is marked by "egg hunts" to find eggs hidden in gardens, games of egg-smashing, and church services. On the dinner table, roast lamb, hot cross buns, and colorful chocolate eggs are symbols of resurrection. This warm time of family feasting and rejoicing in the arrival of spring is cherished in many parts of the world.

Easter has become a spring event in Japan in recent years, with Tokyo Disneyland and Universal Studios Japan offering spectacular decorations, parades, and limited edition sweets with egg and rabbit motifs. Colorful photo spots, egg hunts for children, and other family-friendly tricks are also in store. This event is attracting attention as a popular spring break event.