“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

“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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

June 16th is Wagashi Day: The “Kasho” Ritual and the Beauty of Japanese Tradition

Discover the rich history of Japan's Wagashi Day on June 16th. Learn about the ancient Kasho ritual from 848 AD, where traditional sweets were offered for health and plague dispellment. Explore the beauty of Japanese culture through sweets.
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

June 15 is “Kome Hyappyo Day”: The Ultimate Choice Between Hunger and Creating a Million Sacks for Tomorrow

Discover the true story of Kome Hyappyo Day (June 15). Learn how a ruined Japanese samurai town in 1870 chose to invest in education instead of eating their last 100 sacks of rice, shaping the future of modern Japan.
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

June 14, 1987: The Legendary “Madonna Typhoon” Makes Landfall in Osaka

Discover the cultural impact of Madonna's legendary first concert in Japan on June 14, 1987. Explore the 1980s Japanese bubble economy, fashion shifts, and the history of Osaka Stadium in this deep dive into retro Japan.
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

June 13, 1948: The Day Japanese Literature Lost Its Maverick, Osamu Dazai

Discover the history behind June 13, 1948, the day Japan lost literary genius Osamu Dazai. Explore his final days, the cultural concept of Shinju, and his profound impact on modern society.