２月には祝日は建国記念日だけでしたが、新しい天皇になってから、２月２３日に天皇誕生日の祝日が増えました。今年は２３日は月曜日だったので、２月の最後の週に３連休になりました。
February used to have only one national holiday–National Foundation Day–but since the new Emperor ascended the throne, Emperor’s Birthday on February 23rd was added as a holiday. This year, the 23rd fell on a Monday, creating a three-day weekend in the last week of February.

今年は２月の初めにたくさん雪が降ったり、寒い日が多かったりしましたので、出掛けられない人が多かったですが、この３連休がとても良いお天気でしたのでたくさん外出する人がいました。
Although heavy snowfall and cold weather early in February kept many people indoors, the weather during this three-day weekend was exceptionally good, so many people went out.

On the Emperor’s Birthday, a public greeting event is held at the Imperial Palace. The Emperor and his family appear before the public to offer greetings. It seems over 20,000 people visited the Imperial Palace this year as well. While various places get crowded and hectic when people go out, it’s nice to see how lively it gets.