“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

January 11th Kagami Biraki: A Ritual of the Japanese Soul to Embody Divine Power

Discover the meaning of Kagami Biraki on Jan 11th. Learn why Japanese people break hard mochi with hammers, the link to Samurai seppuku taboos, and the spiritual power of eating sweet red bean soup.
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

January 10th: “Toka Ebisu” – The Day Japanese Businessmen Go Wild for Success

Discover Toka Ebisu, Japan's wildest festival for business prosperity held on Jan 10. Learn about the "Lucky Men Run," bamboo charms, and why Japanese merchants rely on Ebessan for success.
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

January 9th: “Yoi-Ebisu” – The Enthusiastic Eve of Business Prosperity

Discover Yoi-Ebisu (Jan 9), the energetic eve of the Toka Ebisu festival in Japan. Explore the history of the God of Commerce, the lucky bamboo tradition, and why millions pray for wealth on this night.
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

January 8: The Start of Heisei / A Day of Era Transformation

Discover the significance of January 8, 1989, in Japanese history. Learn about the transition from Showa to Heisei, the "Gengo" era system, and the cultural impact of this monumental day.
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

Silence and Rebirth: January 7th, “Jinjitsu no Sekku” and the Tale of Nanakusa-gayu

Discover the history and meaning of Jinjitsu no Sekku (Jan 7th) in Japan. Learn why Japanese people eat Nanakusa-gayu (Seven Herb Porridge) for health and longevity.
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

January 6th: Tokyo Fire Department Dezomeshiki — A Spectacle Where Edo “Iki” Meets Modern Disaster Prevention

Discover the Tokyo Fire Department Dezomeshiki held on Jan 6th. Explore the history of Edo firefighters, the incredible Hashigo-nori acrobatics, and the modern spirit of disaster prevention in Japan.
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

Shokan (Lesser Cold): The Beginning of Japan’s Deep Winter

Discover the meaning of "Shokan" (Lesser Cold), marked on January 5th. Explore Japanese winter traditions like Kanchu-mimai, Kan-geiko, and the philosophy of endurance in this deep dive into the 24 Solar Terms.
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

January 4, 1948: The Bridge of Voices Across the Pacific and Japan’s Culture of Connection

Discover the history of January 4, 1948, when international phone service between Japan and the US resumed. Explore the cultural significance of connection, high costs, and the Japanese concept of Kotodama.
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

January 3rd: Between Silence and Bustle. Decoding the Finale of “San-ga-nichi”

Discover the cultural significance of January 3rd in Japan, the final day of San-ga-nichi. Learn about the Hakone Ekiden, Mikka Tororo, and the transition from sacred celebration back to daily life.
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

January 2nd: Divining the Year Through Dreams, Calligraphy, and Commerce

Discover the deep cultural significance of January 2nd in Japan. Explore the traditions of Hatsuyume (First Dream), Kakizome (Calligraphy), and Hatsuuri (Lucky Bags). A guide to Japanese New Year rituals.