#JapanHistory

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

January 13: The Day Samurai Challenged the Pacific – “Kanrin Maru Departure Day”

On Jan 13, 1860, the Kanrin Maru set sail, marking Japan's first voyage across the Pacific. Discover the story of Katsu Kaishu, Fukuzawa Yukichi, and the samurai spirit that embraced modernization. (1860年1月13日、咸臨丸が出航し、日本初の太平洋横断を記録しました。勝海舟、福沢諭吉、そして近代化を受け入れた侍魂の物語をご覧ください。)

2026.01.13

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

January 4, 1948: The Bridge of Voices Across the Pacific and Japan’s Culture of Connection

Discover the history of January 4, 1948, when international phone service between Japan and the US resumed. Explore the cultural significance of connection, high costs, and the Japanese concept of Kotodama.

2026.01.04

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

December 30th: Subway Anniversary (Chikatetsu Kinenbi)

Discover the history of Japan's first subway opening on December 30, 1927. Explore how the Tokyo Metro shaped Japanese culture, punctuality, and urban order in this detailed guide.

2025.12.30

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series