OKYO (Reuters) - Japan's parliament on Friday renamed a national holiday to honor World War II Emperor Hirohito, a move likely to spark opposition from China and others who view the late monarch as a symbol of militarism.
Ties with China have been strained in recent months over a number of issues, including government approval of a history textbook that critics say whitewashes Japan's aggression in Asia before and during the war.
The April 29 holiday, which marked Hirohito's birthday during his reign, was called ``Green Day'' after the monarch's death, a reference to his interest in biology.
According to a bill passed by parliament, the holiday will now be renamed ``Showa Day.'' Showa, or Enlightened Peace, is the Japanese name for Hirohito's 1925-1989 reign.
Ties with China have been strained in recent months over a number of issues, including government approval of a history textbook that critics say whitewashes Japan's aggression in Asia before and during the war.
The April 29 holiday, which marked Hirohito's birthday during his reign, was called ``Green Day'' after the monarch's death, a reference to his interest in biology.
According to a bill passed by parliament, the holiday will now be renamed ``Showa Day.'' Showa, or Enlightened Peace, is the Japanese name for Hirohito's 1925-1989 reign.
