“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

July 22 “Taisho” (Major Heat): The Zenith of Japanese Summer

Discover the traditions of Taisho (July 22), Japan's hottest solar term. Learn how ancient cooling techniques, unique culinary delights like Kakigori, and cultural wisdom help combat the fierce summer heat in Japan.
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

July 21, 1930: The Dawn of Japan’s Summer Tradition, “Radio Taiso” Gatherings

Discover the history and cultural impact of Japan's Radio Taiso (radio calisthenics). Learn how a 1930 summer morning gathering shaped Japanese society, harmony, and health.
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

July 20th is “Marine Day”: Understanding the Heart of Japan, an Island Nation

Explore the history and cultural significance of Japan's Marine Day (Umi no Hi) on July 20th. Discover how this unique island nation honors the ocean's blessings.
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

From a Prayer Against Plagues to a World-Class Festival: The Origins of Gion Matsuri on July 19, 970

Discover the fascinating history of Kyoto's Gion Matsuri. Learn how a 970 AD purification ritual against plagues evolved into Japan's most spectacular cultural festival.
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

July 18: The Severity of “Japanese Summer” and Modern Challenges – Learning from Photochemical Smog

Discover the history behind July 18 in Japan, when the first photochemical smog incident occurred, and how it reshaped Japanese summer culture and modern environmental policies.
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

July 17th is “Tokyo Day”: The Moment Japan’s History Shifted from Edo to Tokyo

Discover the fascinating history behind "Tokyo Day" on July 17th. Learn how Edo transformed into Tokyo in 1868, blending ancient Japanese traditions with modern innovation. Explore the deep cultural impact of this historic shift on modern Japan.
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

July 16 is Ekiben Day: The Ultimate Food Culture of Japanese Train Travel

Discover the fascinating history and cultural significance of Ekiben (Japanese railway bento) on July 16, Ekiben Memorial Day. Learn how this unique food culture enhances train travel in Japan.
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

July 15 is Famicom Day! The Japanese Console That Changed the World

Discover the history of Famicom Day on July 15th. Learn how Nintendo's iconic 8-bit console revolutionized Japanese culture, game design, and global gaming history.
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

July 14: Haihan-chiken – The Day Japan Transformed Overnight

Discover the fascinating history of July 14 in Japan, the day of Haihan-chiken. Learn how the samurai domains were abolished overnight to create modern prefectures, and how this historic event shaped traditional Japanese culture.
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

July 13th “Mukaebi”: The Beautiful Japanese Spiritual World of Guiding Ancestral Souls Home

Explore the profound Japanese tradition of Mukaebi on July 13th. Learn how families light welcoming fires during the Obon festival to connect the living with ancestral spirits, reflecting a beautiful view of life and death.