{"id":74133,"date":"2026-02-26T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-02-25T23:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/savvytokyo.com\/?p=74133"},"modified":"2026-03-02T10:38:47","modified_gmt":"2026-03-02T01:38:47","slug":"celebrating-international-womens-day-in-japan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/savvytokyo.com\/celebrating-international-womens-day-in-japan\/","title":{"rendered":"Celebrating International Women\u2019s Day in Japan 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

International Women\u2019s Day (IWD) is a holiday celebrated annually on March 8 with a focal point in the women\u2019s rights movement. Here at Savvy Tokyo, we wanted to share with our readers some ways this day can be celebrated in and around Tokyo! First, get to know the history of IWD in Japan, from its early beginnings here in 1923. Then, read on for Tokyo\u2019s many IWD events where you can celebrate the history and victories of women\u2019s rights<\/a> in Japan and learn what work still needs to be done to advance gender equality. While you\u2019re at it, why not consider volunteering<\/a> for a Japan-based organization focusing on women\u2019s empowerment?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The History of International Women’s Day in Japan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"International<\/a>\u00a9 Photo by iStock: Vittorio Gravino<\/small><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

While the first International Women\u2019s Day was held on March 11, 1911 in several European countries, its roots lay in the United States a few years earlier. In 1909, the Socialist Party of America organized the first National Women\u2019s Day in New York City to protest the poor labor conditions facing female garment workers. During World War I, these marches also became key sites for anti-war protests across the globe. March 8th became the official day when Russian women protested against food shortages, the war and the czarist government.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"International<\/a>
A women’s rights meeting in Tokyo on July 18, 1920.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In 1923, the feminist socialist group, Akarankai organized Japan\u2019s first International Women\u2019s Day march to call for women\u2019s liberation. As with other marches around the world, socialism\u2019s critiques against capitalism\u2019s enslavement of women drove the protest\u2019s messages. The protest was violently suppressed by the police and the next International Women\u2019s Day wouldn\u2019t be held in Japan again until 1947. Since then, annual marches have taken place to call for gender equality and world peace. In recent years, marches have focused on ending war, particularly Russia\u2019s invasion of Ukraine and closing the gender pay gap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

International Women’s Day Events in Tokyo for 2026<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

To celebrate International Women\u2019s Day in Tokyo this year, join like-minded people at the exciting events below. Whatever angle of IWD interests you, you are sure to find an event of interest in Tokyo this March!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Happy Woman Festa Tokyo 2026<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"International<\/a>\u00a9 Photo by Happy Woman Festa Tokyo 2025<\/small><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Happy Woman Festa 2026 is a series of events organized to celebrate IWD across Japan. The theme this year is Towards a future where happiness circulates<\/strong><\/strong>. Make sure to reserve your seat<\/a> in advance! <\/p>\n\n\n\n