“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

June 26 is “Thunder Memorial Day”: The Vengeful Spirit That Shook the Heian Capital

Discover the dramatic history behind Japan's Thunder Memorial Day on June 26. Learn how a terrifying vengeful spirit from the Heian period transformed into the beloved God of Learning.

2026.06.26

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

June 25: Preparing for “Chinowa Kuguri” and the Japanese Spirit of Purification

Discover the ancient Japanese tradition of Chinowa Kuguri and Nagoshi no Harae. Learn how Shinto shrines prepare for this summer purification ritual and the deep cultural significance of spiritual cleansing in Japan.

2026.06.25

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

June 24: “Omitasai” – The History and Essence of Japan’s Great Rice Planting Festival

Explore the history and cultural significance of Omitasai, one of Japan's top three rice planting festivals held every June 24th at Izawanomiya. Discover the deep roots of Shinto and Japanese traditions.

2026.06.24

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

June 23, 1534: The Birth of Oda Nobunaga, The Warlord Who Reshaped Japan

Discover the dramatic life and legacy of Oda Nobunaga, born on June 23, 1534. Learn how this visionary samurai reshaped Japanese history, culture, and warfare.

2026.06.23

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

June 22 is Bowling Day! From 1861 Nagasaki to a Unique Japanese Cultural Evolution

June 22 is Bowling Day in Japan. Explore the history of how a Western sport introduced in Nagasaki in 1861 evolved into a highly advanced, uniquely Japanese cultural phenomenon. Read more at kiri53.com.

2026.06.22

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

What is June 21? The Day the Summer Solstice and Father’s Day Intersect in Japan

Discover the unique Japanese traditions of June 21, blending the ancient agrarian customs of the Summer Solstice (Geshi) with modern Father's Day celebrations.

2026.06.21

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

The Miraculous Infrastructure That Transformed Edo into a Mega-City: The Completion of the Tamagawa Aqueduct on June 20, 1654

Discover the incredible story of the Tamagawa Aqueduct, completed on June 20, 1654. Learn how a 43km waterway built in just 8 months transformed Edo into modern Tokyo.

2026.06.20

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

June 19th is “Gengo Day”: The Day Japan’s Unique Time Began

Discover the history behind Japan's Gengo Day on June 19th. Learn how the first era name "Taika" in 645 AD shaped Japanese culture, and how the unique system of dual calendars continues today.

2026.06.19

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

The Origins of Japan’s Soul Food: What is “Onigiri Day” on June 18th?

Discover the fascinating history of Onigiri Day on June 18th. Learn about Japan's 2,000-year-old oldest rice ball fossil and the spiritual, cultural significance of this beloved soul food.

2026.06.18

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

June 17 is Policeman’s Day: The History of Japan’s Safety and the “Koban” System

Discover the origins of Japan's safe streets on June 17th, Policeman's Day. Learn how the Meiji era birthed the world-famous Koban (police box) system and its cultural impact.

2026.06.17

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series