#OnThisDay

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 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

【November 18】The Birth of Eternal Kyoto: Why the Emperor Sought “Heian”

On Nov 18, 794, Emperor Kammu moved the capital to Heian-kyo (Kyoto). Discover the history, spiritual feng shui, and how this event shaped Japanese culture and the concept of "Mono no Aware."

2025.11.18

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

November 9th: The Day Japan “Deleted” a Month and a Half

On Nov 9, 1872, Japan abandoned the lunar calendar for the Gregorian system. Discover the urgent political and secret financial reasons behind this massive cultural shift.

2025.11.09

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

November 5th, Japan-Brazil Friendship Day: A 130-Year Bond and Cultural Fusion Forged Across the Globe

Discover why November 5th is Japan-Brazil Friendship Day. Explore the 130-year history, from the Kasato Maru migration to the vibrant cultural exchange in soccer, music (Bossa Nova), and food (Açaí) that binds these two nations.

2025.11.05

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

October 16, The Gentleman Thrown into the River: How a Baseball Victory Gave Birth to the Bizarre Urban Legend of the “Curse of Colonel Sanders”

Discover the wild story of October 16, 1985, when Hanshin Tigers fans celebrated a victory by throwing a Colonel Sanders statue into a river, sparking Japan's most famous urban legend. Explore the culture behind the "curse."

2025.10.16

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series