Holidays and Time Off

As I've mentioned before, the Japanese work ethic is legendary. Most workers stay late into the night as if they are in some kind of silent competition with each other. But do not be fooled, being a worker in Japan has some benefits, too.
For instance, most companies in Japan give at least 19 paid holidays per year. (Compared to 9 paid holidays with Transfreight.) The rumor is that the holidays force businessmen to spend time with their families, but I also think that the Japanese will use any excuse to have a party! Some of the more unique observed holidays are:
--Spring & Autumn Equinox (What?! The first day of Winter and Summer aren't special, too?!)
--Greenery Day (Not sure what this consists off, but it must be cool since it has the name "Green" in it...)
--Children's Day and Respect for the Aged Day (That pretty much covers everyone, right?)
And my personal favorite...
--The Emperor's Birthday! (How sweet would it be to get August 4th off in honor of President Obama?)
These holidays are rarely observed on a Monday, but rather the day off is given whenever they fall, so I frequently have random a Tuesday or Thursday free from work. There is also a Japanese law that when 2 holidays fall within the same week and there is only 1 work day in between, that middle day must also be given off as a holiday! That rare occasion happened in September 2009 just before I arrived in Japan. Sadly, there are no "gimme" holidays like this in 2010.
Nearly all stores, museums, and attractions are open on holidays (to boost revenue from businessmen and their families). Instead, they take the following day off.

There is no policy about Sick Days, but people are encouraged to take them. In fact, you will rarely ever hear a cough, sneeze, or sniffle in the office. If you are remotely sick, it is expected that you will stay home from work for 5 days. (And computers don't leave the office, so no working from home!) When you return to work, you must wear a mask for another 5 days. (I think it's to warn people that you were recently sick, and they should stay away!!)
In over 4 months, I haven't been sick yet. Not even a sore throat. Some people say it's due to my strong American immune system. Japan is such a clean environment with anti-bacterial paranoia, that in recent years there is a true problem with children not building their immune systems. I guess in my 29 years in America, I've already had everything under the sun that Japan could possibly throw at me!!