“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

March 2: The Day the Blind Monk Ganjin Arrived in Heijo-kyo. What Was His Immeasurable Impact on Japanese Culture?

Discover the epic journey of Ganjin (Jianzhen), the blind Tang dynasty monk who arrived in Nara, Japan on March 2, 754. Explore his profound impact on Japanese Buddhism, medicine, and architecture, and learn how his never-give-up spirit shapes Japanese culture today.
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

March 1st is “Mayonnaise Day”! The Secret Behind the Magic Sauce Japanese People Love

Discover why March 1st is Mayonnaise Day in Japan. Explore the unique history of Kewpie, the "Mayora" phenomenon, and how Japanese egg-yolk mayo differs from the rest of the world. A deep dive into Japanese food culture!
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

February 28th is “Rikyu-ki”: The Perfection of Wabi-cha and a Tragic End

Discover the profound history of Sen no Rikyu Memorial Day (Feb 28). Explore how his philosophy of Wabi-Sabi, Zen, and minimalism shaped the Japanese tea ceremony and offers powerful life lessons for the modern world.
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

February 27, 1996: Where It All Began

Celebrate Pokémon Day on February 27! Discover the origins of Pokémon, its connection to Japanese animism, miniature culture, and why this iconic pop culture phenomenon captivated the entire world.1996年2月27日の『ポケットモンスター 赤・緑』発売を記念する「Pokémon Day」。ポケモンの原点である昆虫採集や、日本特有のアニミズム、ミニチュア文化など、ポケモンが世界中で愛される理由を日本文化の視点から深く解説します
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

February 26, 1936: The “February 26 Incident” That Shook the Snow-Covered Imperial Capital

1936年2月26日に発生した日本最大級のクーデター未遂「二・二六事件」。若き青年将校たちはなぜ重臣を暗殺したのか?昭和の激動の歴史と、背景にある日本の武士道や文化を海外読者向けに分かりやすく解説します。
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

February 25th is Michizane-ki: The Tragedy and Deification of Japan’s God of Learning

Discover the tragic history of Sugawara no Michizane, honored on February 25th in Japan. Explore how a vengeful spirit became the beloved God of Learning, deeply rooted in Japanese culture.
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

February 24th is “Moonlight Mask Day”: The Origin of Japanese Superheroes and a Prayer for Peace

Discover the fascinating history of Gekko Kamen (Moonlight Mask), Japan's first TV superhero who debuted on February 24, 1958. Explore the deep Buddhist philosophy of "forgiveness" behind his mask and its impact on Japanese culture.
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

What Day is February 23? Unveiling the History and Culture Behind Japan’s “Emperor’s Birthday”

Explore the profound history and cultural significance of Japan's Emperor's Birthday on February 23. Learn about the Reiwa era, the Imperial Palace public greeting, and what makes this changing holiday so unique.
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

February 22: The 1880 Yokohama Earthquake, the World’s First Seismological Society, and Japan’s Culture of Resilience

Discover how the 1880 Yokohama earthquake led to the creation of the world's first seismological society in Japan. Explore the transition from giant catfish myths to modern science, and learn about Japan's unique culture of disaster preparedness (Bousai).
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

February 21 is “Soseki Day”: The Day a Great Japanese Novelist Completely Rejected National Authority

Discover the history and cultural significance of "Soseki Day" on February 21. Learn why legendary Japanese author Natsume Soseki rejected a national doctorate and how his philosophy of individualism still influences Japan today.