#MeijiEra

June 12 is Bazaar Memorial Day: The Meiji Era and the Birth of Japan’s New Culture of Mutual Aid

Discover the history of Japan's first charity bazaar held at the Rokumeikan on June 12, 1884. Learn how Western charity blended with Japanese culture in the Meiji period.

2026.06.12

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

May 25: The Birth of Japan’s First Dining Car and the Revolution of Train Travel

Discover the fascinating history of Japan's first dining car introduced on May 25, 1899. Explore how the Meiji era modernization birthed a unique culinary train culture that evolved into today's Ekiben and luxury sleeper trains.

2026.05.25

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

May 24th is Golf Course Memorial Day: The Birth of Japan’s First Golf Course, Kobe Golf Club

Discover the fascinating history behind May 24th, Japan's Golf Course Memorial Day. Learn how Arthur Hesketh Groom built the Kobe Golf Club in 1903 and how Japan transformed the sport into a unique cultural experience.

2026.05.24

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

February 21 is “Soseki Day”: The Day a Great Japanese Novelist Completely Rejected National Authority

Discover the history and cultural significance of "Soseki Day" on February 21. Learn why legendary Japanese author Natsume Soseki rejected a national doctorate and how his philosophy of individualism still influences Japan today.

2026.02.21

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

February 16th: “Weather Map Day” in Japan – Why We Read the Sky

Discover why February 16 is celebrated as Weather Map Day in Japan. Explore the history from 1883 and how weather shapes Japanese culture and aesthetics.

2026.02.16

“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.

2026.01.27

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

The Taste of Enlightenment: Why December 25th is the Birthday of Japanese Chocolate

Discover why Dec 25 is the birthday of chocolate in Japan. Explore the history of Yonezu Fugetsudo in 1878, the cultural impact of "Bunmei Kaika," and how Japan adapted Western sweets.

2025.12.25

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

【December 20】Department Store Opening Day: The Revolution of Japanese Shopping Culture

Discover the history of December 20, Japan's Department Store Opening Day. Learn how Mitsukoshi's 1904 declaration revolutionized shopping, created the "Depachika" culture, and blended Western retail with Japanese tradition.

2025.12.20

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

The Day the Samurai Took to the Skies: December 19th, Japan’s First Flight

Discover the history of December 19, 1910, when Japan conquered the skies for the first time. Learn how the Meiji spirit of innovation transformed samurai descendants into aviators at Yoyogi Park.

2025.12.19

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

🇯🇵 December 9th: Sōseki-Ki – Commemorating the Literary Giant and Exploring the “Kokoro” of Modern Japan

Explore Soseki-Ki, the anniversary of Natsume Soseki's death. Uncover the legacy of Japan's national author, his role in modernization, and how his exploration of individualism and the inner "Kokoro" (heart) still defines Japanese culture today.

2025.12.09

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series