“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

January 23rd is “Ichiju-Sansai Day”: The Golden Ratio of Japanese Diet and Wisdom of Health

Discover the wisdom of Ichiju-Sansai (One Soup, Three Dishes) on Jan 23. Learn why this 1-2-3 rule is the foundation of the healthy Japanese diet and culture.

2026.01.23

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

January 22nd is Curry Rice Day: The Story of Japan’s “National Dish” Born from School Lunches

Discover why January 22 is Curry Rice Day in Japan. Explore the history of school lunches, the British Navy connection, and why Japanese curry is unique. A deep dive into Japan's national dish.

2026.01.22

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

“Charara, Charara, Charararara…” The Day a Melody Changed Japanese Dining Tables Forever

Discover the history of Japan's longest-running cooking show, "Kewpie 3-Minute Cooking," starting Jan 21, 1963. Explore how this iconic 3-minute program changed Japanese food culture, popularized mayonnaise, and defined home cooking.

2026.01.21

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

【January 20】Daikan (Major Cold): The Day Japan Loves and Utilizes the Cold

Discover "Daikan" (Jan 20), Japan's Major Cold solar term. Explore why Japanese culture embraces the freezing cold for brewing the best Sake (Kan-jikomi), spiritual training (Kan-geiko), and lucky foods like golden eggs.

2026.01.20

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

What is January 19th? “Nodojiman Day” and the Origins of Japan’s Karaoke Culture

Discover the significance of January 19th, "Nodojiman Day" in Japan. Explore how a 1946 radio show birthed the nation's karaoke culture and community spirit.

2026.01.19

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

January 18: The Furisode Fire (Great Fire of Meireki) — A Tragedy of Kimono and the Rebirth of Edo

Discover the haunting legend of the Furisode Fire (Great Fire of Meireki) on Jan 18, 1657. A cursed kimono that destroyed Edo and reshaped modern Tokyo's history.

2026.01.18

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

January 17: The Day Silence Was Broken – The Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake and the “First Year of Volunteering”

On January 17, 1995, Kobe was struck by a devastating earthquake. Discover how this tragedy transformed Japan's disaster preparedness and sparked the "First Year of Volunteering," redefining the concept of Kizuna (bonds).

2026.01.17

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

Even the King of Hell Needs a Break: The Hidden Truth of January 16th, “Enma Mairi”

Discover the hidden meaning of January 16th in Japan: Enma Saijitsu. Why does the King of Hell take a break? Explore the unique customs of Enma Mairi and the deep cultural philosophy of forgiveness.

2026.01.16

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

While January 1st is celebrated as “O-shogatsu” (Great New Year), January 15th holds its own special place in Japanese hearts as “Koshogatsu” or the “Little New Year.” This day marks a significant cultural boundary, concluding the festive New Year period. Today, we delve into the profound history and spiritual essence behind this tradition.

Explore the rich traditions of Koshogatsu (January 15th) in Japan. Learn about the spiritual meaning of red bean porridge (Azuki-gayu), the Dondoyaki fire festivals, and the cultural significance of "Women's New Year."

2026.01.15

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

January 14th. In the Japanese calendar, this is not merely another winter day. It is a day when the entire nation shed tears, marveled at the resilience of life, and reaffirmed the meaning of the word “hope.” Today is known as “Taro and Jiro Day,” or alternatively, the “Day of Love, Hope, and Courage.”

Discover the touching history of Taro and Jiro Day (Jan 14). Learn how two Sakhalin huskies survived a year in Antarctica and became symbols of hope and resilience in Japanese culture.

2026.01.14

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series