“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

February 26, 1936: The “February 26 Incident” That Shook the Snow-Covered Imperial Capital

1936年2月26日に発生した日本最大級のクーデター未遂「二・二六事件」。若き青年将校たちはなぜ重臣を暗殺したのか?昭和の激動の歴史と、背景にある日本の武士道や文化を海外読者向けに分かりやすく解説します。
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

February 25th is Michizane-ki: The Tragedy and Deification of Japan’s God of Learning

Discover the tragic history of Sugawara no Michizane, honored on February 25th in Japan. Explore how a vengeful spirit became the beloved God of Learning, deeply rooted in Japanese culture.
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

February 24th is “Moonlight Mask Day”: The Origin of Japanese Superheroes and a Prayer for Peace

Discover the fascinating history of Gekko Kamen (Moonlight Mask), Japan's first TV superhero who debuted on February 24, 1958. Explore the deep Buddhist philosophy of "forgiveness" behind his mask and its impact on Japanese culture.
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

What Day is February 23? Unveiling the History and Culture Behind Japan’s “Emperor’s Birthday”

Explore the profound history and cultural significance of Japan's Emperor's Birthday on February 23. Learn about the Reiwa era, the Imperial Palace public greeting, and what makes this changing holiday so unique.
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

February 22: The 1880 Yokohama Earthquake, the World’s First Seismological Society, and Japan’s Culture of Resilience

Discover how the 1880 Yokohama earthquake led to the creation of the world's first seismological society in Japan. Explore the transition from giant catfish myths to modern science, and learn about Japan's unique culture of disaster preparedness (Bousai).
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

February 21 is “Soseki Day”: The Day a Great Japanese Novelist Completely Rejected National Authority

Discover the history and cultural significance of "Soseki Day" on February 21. Learn why legendary Japanese author Natsume Soseki rejected a national doctorate and how his philosophy of individualism still influences Japan today.
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

February 20th is Kabuki Day: How Edo-Period Punk Rock Became Japan’s Traditional Art

Discover the avant-garde history of Japan's Kabuki Day on February 20. Learn how Edo-period counterculture evolved into a stunning traditional art form.
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

[Feb 19] Usui (Rain Water): The Day Snow Turns to Rain and Spring Awakens

Discover the magic of Usui (Feb 19), the Japanese solar term when snow turns to rain. Learn why this is the perfect day to display Hina Dolls for good luck and how Japan welcomes spring.
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

The Day a Common Scene Wept: February 18th and the Warning from the Tiny “Medaka”

On Feb 18, 2003, the Japanese Rice Fish (Medaka) was designated as endangered. Discover the history, the cultural paradox of the modern Medaka boom, and what this means for Japan's Satoyama landscape.
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

What is Today? February 17th: “Gacha Day” and the Infinite World inside a Plastic Capsule

Discover the history of Japan's Gacha Day (Feb 17). Explore why high-quality capsule toys are a cultural phenomenon, from anime figures to weird miniatures, and essential souvenirs.