The Japanese work ethic and devotion to their employer is something that I was aware of before coming to Japan and have now come to experience first hand. Whether you are a company employee or teaching at a school, long hours are expected and requesting vacation for leisure purposes is hardly ever considered. As a matter of fact, on many occasions I have been reminded that Japanese school teachers do not have sick-days and when one falls ill beyond the ability to come to work, using a vacation day is the only option. However, this company first mind-set is quickly changing in today’s Japanese society. What was once uncommon to leave a company to pursue another is becoming more and more accepted. One refuge that many Japanese workers enjoy is their abundance of National Holidays. Next week, beginning April 29th is Golden Week. Golden Week is a string of National Holidays from late April through early May. For those employees able to take 2 full days of vacation, 10 consecutive days of no work is possible. Golden Week begins with Greenery Day, the Showa Emperor’s birthday, named Greenery Day for his love of plants. Followed by May 3rd’s Constitution Day, a day celebrating the new Japanese Constitution implemented after WWII. Add in a complimentary National Holiday on May 4th, followed by Children’s Day May 5th – a celebration of the well-being of children – thus, a Golden Week of Holidays is made.