#OnThisDay

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

[August 18] The Day the US-Japan Bond Turned Washington D.C. Pink: The Moving Story Woven by 2,000 Cherry Trees

Discover the fascinating true story behind the Japanese cherry blossoms in Washington D.C., starting from a historic decision on August 18, 1909. A tale of culture, resilience, and true friendship.
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

August 10: The Dawn of Japan’s Coin Economy – The Issuance of Wadokaichin

Discover the fascinating history of Wadokaichin, Japan's first official copper coin issued on August 10, 708. Explore a vivid historical story and learn how this ancient currency revolutionized Japanese culture and trade.
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

August 3: “Gakusei Promulgation Day” – The Dawn of Education that Supported Japan’s Modernization

Discover the history of August 3, Japan's Gakusei Promulgation Day. Learn how the Meiji era's revolutionary education system shaped modern Japanese culture.
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

July 23 is “Rice Riot Day”: The Historic Turning Point that Started in a Toyama Fishing Village

Discover the history of Japan's 1918 Rice Riots on July 23. Learn how local housewives changed history and explore the deep cultural significance of rice in Japan.
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

July 16 is Ekiben Day: The Ultimate Food Culture of Japanese Train Travel

Discover the fascinating history and cultural significance of Ekiben (Japanese railway bento) on July 16, Ekiben Memorial Day. Learn how this unique food culture enhances train travel in Japan.
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

July 14: Haihan-chiken – The Day Japan Transformed Overnight

Discover the fascinating history of July 14 in Japan, the day of Haihan-chiken. Learn how the samurai domains were abolished overnight to create modern prefectures, and how this historic event shaped traditional Japanese culture.
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

July 12, 1192: The Dawn of the Samurai Era and the Appointment of Minamoto no Yoritomo

Discover the history of July 12, 1192, when Minamoto no Yoritomo became Japan's first Seii Taishogun. Learn how the Kamakura Shogunate gave birth to the Samurai spirit and shaped Japanese culture forever.
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

July 10, 645: The Isshi Incident – The Bloody Coup That Forged a Nation

Discover the dramatic events of the Isshi Incident on July 10, 645. Learn how a political assassination at the Asuka Palace led to the Taika Reforms and birthed the centralized Japanese state.
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

June 27, 1994: The Matsumoto Sarin Incident — The Night That Changed Japanese Society and Media

Discover the history and cultural impact of the 1994 Matsumoto Sarin Incident. Learn how this tragic event on June 27 changed Japanese media, the presumption of innocence, and society.
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

June 23, 1534: The Birth of Oda Nobunaga, The Warlord Who Reshaped Japan

Discover the dramatic life and legacy of Oda Nobunaga, born on June 23, 1534. Learn how this visionary samurai reshaped Japanese history, culture, and warfare.