“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

[January 27] The Day Japan’s Icon Was Born: Decoding the Aesthetics of the “Hinomaru”

Discover why January 27th is National Flag Proclamation Day in Japan. Explore the history of the Hinomaru, the symbolism of the sun, and the Japanese aesthetic of minimalism in this deep-dive article.
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

January 26: “Cultural Property Fire Prevention Day” – A Vow to Protect Japan’s Beauty

Why does Japan hold massive fire drills at temples on January 26? Discover the tragedy of the Horyu-ji fire and the Japanese dedication to protecting wooden cultural heritage.
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

January 25th: The Day Japan Froze – The Truth Behind “Japan’s Lowest Temperature Day”

Discover the history of January 25th in Japan, marking the record low of -41.0°C and the tragic Mt. Hakkoda incident. Explore how Japanese culture embraces winter through resilience and warmth.
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

Flip through a Japanese calendar, and you will find a special period marked from January 24th to the 30th. This is “National School Lunch Week.”

Discover the history of Japan's National School Lunch Week (Jan 24). Explore how "Kyushoku" evolved from post-war aid to a pillar of Japanese education and culture.
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

January 23rd is “Ichiju-Sansai Day”: The Golden Ratio of Japanese Diet and Wisdom of Health

Discover the wisdom of Ichiju-Sansai (One Soup, Three Dishes) on Jan 23. Learn why this 1-2-3 rule is the foundation of the healthy Japanese diet and culture.
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

January 22nd is Curry Rice Day: The Story of Japan’s “National Dish” Born from School Lunches

Discover why January 22 is Curry Rice Day in Japan. Explore the history of school lunches, the British Navy connection, and why Japanese curry is unique. A deep dive into Japan's national dish.
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

“Charara, Charara, Charararara…” The Day a Melody Changed Japanese Dining Tables Forever

Discover the history of Japan's longest-running cooking show, "Kewpie 3-Minute Cooking," starting Jan 21, 1963. Explore how this iconic 3-minute program changed Japanese food culture, popularized mayonnaise, and defined home cooking.
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

【January 20】Daikan (Major Cold): The Day Japan Loves and Utilizes the Cold

Discover "Daikan" (Jan 20), Japan's Major Cold solar term. Explore why Japanese culture embraces the freezing cold for brewing the best Sake (Kan-jikomi), spiritual training (Kan-geiko), and lucky foods like golden eggs.
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

What is January 19th? “Nodojiman Day” and the Origins of Japan’s Karaoke Culture

Discover the significance of January 19th, "Nodojiman Day" in Japan. Explore how a 1946 radio show birthed the nation's karaoke culture and community spirit.
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

January 18: The Furisode Fire (Great Fire of Meireki) — A Tragedy of Kimono and the Rebirth of Edo

Discover the haunting legend of the Furisode Fire (Great Fire of Meireki) on Jan 18, 1657. A cursed kimono that destroyed Edo and reshaped modern Tokyo's history.