#JapanHistory

February 10: The Day Japan Stood Still. How “Dragon Quest III” Changed History

Discover the history of February 10, 1988, when Dragon Quest III was released in Japan. Learn about the legendary queues, the social phenomenon, and how this JRPG changed Japanese culture forever.

2026.02.10

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

The Legend of Imohori Choja: Discovering Japan’s Hidden Gold

Discover the legend of Imohori Choja, a humble potato digger who found gold. A deep dive into this Japanese folktale, its cultural meaning, and the origin of Kanazawa City.

2026.02.03

Japanese Folktale Series

February 2nd, 1920: The Day “Bus Girls” Changed Tokyo’s Streets Forever

Discover the history of "Bus Girl Day" in Japan (Feb 2). Learn how 1920s female conductors revolutionized Tokyo's transport and evolved into the iconic Japanese Bus Guides.

2026.02.02

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

Introduction: The God Who Fell from the Japanese Sky

Discover the Japanese folktale "Ochita Kaminari" (The Fallen Thunder God). Explore why Japanese gods are humorous, why they steal belly buttons, and the meaning of "Kuwabara."

2026.01.28

Japanese Folktale 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.

2026.01.25

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

[Japanese Folktale] The Moon and the Golden Chain: A Suspense of Terror and Salvation

Discover the eerie Japanese folktale "The Moon and the Golden Chain." A story of Yamamba, suspense, and divine rescue. Explore the cultural meaning behind buckwheat flowers and moon worship.

2026.01.24

Japanese Folktale 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.

2026.01.22

“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.

2026.01.18

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

January 17: The Day Silence Was Broken – The Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake and the “First Year of Volunteering”

On January 17, 1995, Kobe was struck by a devastating earthquake. Discover how this tragedy transformed Japan's disaster preparedness and sparked the "First Year of Volunteering," redefining the concept of Kizuna (bonds).

2026.01.17

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

January 14th. In the Japanese calendar, this is not merely another winter day. It is a day when the entire nation shed tears, marveled at the resilience of life, and reaffirmed the meaning of the word “hope.” Today is known as “Taro and Jiro Day,” or alternatively, the “Day of Love, Hope, and Courage.”

Discover the touching history of Taro and Jiro Day (Jan 14). Learn how two Sakhalin huskies survived a year in Antarctica and became symbols of hope and resilience in Japanese culture.

2026.01.14

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series