“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series Japan harbors a mysterious and gentle custom unlike any other in the world. If you were to visit a Japanese temple on February 8th, you might witness a surreal scene: people solemnly sticking sewing needles into blocks of tofu or konjac jelly.
On Feb 8th, Japan celebrates Hari-Kuyo, the Festival of Broken Needles. Discover why needles are stuck in tofu and learn about the Japanese spirit of animism and gratitude for tools.