 The date of this festival is subject to some controversy as it is former emperor Hirohito's birthday.From the death of Hirohito in 1989 until 2005, the day was officially called “Greenery Day”.In 2005, it was voted to change the name to “Showa Day” in reference to Hirohito despite the fear of opposition from other countries such as China and North Korea and South Korea, against which alleged war crimes were committed under the direction of the late emperor.