“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

The Quiet Approach of Winter: Exploring “Shōsetsu” (Small Snow)

November 22nd is "Shōsetsu" in the Japanese calendar. Explore the meaning of Small Snow, the tradition of dried foods like Hoshigaki, and the cultural shift into winter in Japan.

2025.11.22

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

November 21st is “Fried Chicken Day” in Japan: Why Did the Nation Fall in Love with This Taste?

Discover why November 21st is Fried Chicken Day in Japan. Explore the history of the first KFC opening in 1970, the unique "Christmas Chicken" tradition, and how Japan distinguishes between Karaage and Fried Chicken.

2025.11.21

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

November 20: The Day Japanese Hospitality Met the West. What is “Hotel Day”?

Discover why November 20 is celebrated as Hotel Day in Japan. Explore the history of the Imperial Hotel, the blend of Western and Japanese hospitality, and how it changed travel culture in Japan.

2025.11.20

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

In the mornings in Japan, you often see a vibrant green figure on the school commute routes. This isn’t just a uniform; it is a symbol of Japan’s “myth of safety” and the strength of its local communities. November 19th is known in Japan as “Green Auntie Day” (Midori no Obasan no Hi). Why green? Why “Auntie”? delving into this anniversary reveals the post-war history of Japan and its unique spirituality dedicated to protecting children.

Discover the history of "Green Auntie Day" on November 19. Learn how these school crossing guards symbolize Japan's community spirit, safety culture, and the "Traffic War" era. A deep dive into Japanese daily life.

2025.11.19

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

【November 18】The Birth of Eternal Kyoto: Why the Emperor Sought “Heian”

On Nov 18, 794, Emperor Kammu moved the capital to Heian-kyo (Kyoto). Discover the history, spiritual feng shui, and how this event shaped Japanese culture and the concept of "Mono no Aware."

2025.11.18

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

November 17th, “Shogi Day”: The Japanese Spirit and a Unique Global Rule on the Board

Nov 17 is Shogi Day. Discover why Japanese chess is unique. The "Mochigoma" (captured pieces) rule changes everything. Learn its connection to Bushido, Tokugawa Shoguns, and the modern AI battles.

2025.11.17

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

November 16th, Kindergarten Anniversary: A Symbol of Japan’s Modernization and the First Step in Learning “Group Harmony”

Discover the history of Japan's first kindergarten, established on November 16, 1876. Explore how early childhood education shapes Japanese culture, from group harmony (Wa) to "Kawaii" bento boxes.

2025.11.16

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

November 15 “Shichi-Go-San” — Japan’s Beautiful Rite of Passage Celebrated at Winter’s Approach

Explore Shichi-Go-San (November 15), Japan's beautiful rite of passage celebrating children's growth (ages 3, 5, 7), and its connection to 'Ritto' (the start of winter).

2025.11.15

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

November 14th “Women’s Lib Day”: The Anniversary of the Revolt Against Japan’s “Good Wife, Wise Mother”

Learn about November 14th in Japan, "Women's Lib Day." Discover the 1970 demonstration that challenged the "Good Wife, Wise Mother" ideal and sparked Japan's second-wave feminism.

2025.11.14

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

November 13th. Did you know that this day is celebrated in Japan as “Urushi no Hi,” or “Lacquer Day”?

November 13th is 'Urushi Day' (Lacquer Day) in Japan. Discover the deep history, from a Heian-era prince to 9,000-year-old artifacts. We explore why this "poisonous" sap is Japan's most treasured material and its link to the spirit of monozukuri.

2025.11.13

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series