#OnThisDay

May 3 is Licca-chan’s Birthday! Exploring the History and Charm of Japan’s National Doll and Kawaii Culture

Celebrate May 3, the birthday of Licca-chan! Discover the history of Japan's iconic fashion doll, her evolution since 1967, and how she shaped the global Kawaii culture.

2026.05.03

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

April 30: The Day Sony Shocked the World with the First Transistor TV

Discover the history behind April 30, 1960, when Sony released the world's first portable transistor TV. Explore how Japanese culture and the aesthetics of miniaturization revolutionized global technology and our modern lifestyle.

2026.04.30

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

April 23, 1869: The Day Emperor Meiji’s First Visit to Ise Jingu Changed Japanese History and Culture

Discover the profound historical and cultural significance of April 23, 1869, when Emperor Meiji made the first-ever imperial visit to Ise Jingu, transforming Japan's future forever.

2026.04.23

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

April 21, 1989: The Birth of the “Game Boy” That Captivated the World

Discover the history and cultural impact of the Nintendo Game Boy, released on April 21, 1989. Learn how Japanese craftsmanship (Monozukuri) shaped portable gaming forever.

2026.04.21

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

April 16, 2016: The Shock of the Kumamoto Earthquake and Japan’s Unwavering Spirit of Resilience

Discover the significance of April 16 in Japan. Learn about the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake, the devastating impact on Kumamoto Castle, and Japan's enduring culture of resilience and restoration.

2026.04.16

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

April 15th: The Opening of Tokyo Disneyland. How the Magic Kingdom Merged with Japanese Culture

Discover the history of April 15th, Tokyo Disneyland's opening day. Learn how Japanese Omotenashi hospitality and Kawaii culture transformed the park into a unique experience.

2026.04.15

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

April 6: The Charter Oath and the Dawn of Modern Japan

Discover how the Charter Oath of April 6, 1868, ended the samurai era and launched Japan's rapid modernization. Explore the fusion of Japanese tradition and Western democracy in our detailed historical guide.

2026.04.06

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

March 30 is “Nobunaga’s Ambition Day”: The Dawn of Japanese Historical Simulations

Discover why March 30 is Nobunaga's Ambition Day. Dive deep into the legacy of Japan's most famous samurai, Oda Nobunaga, and how a revolutionary video game shaped Japanese pop culture and history.

2026.03.30

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

March 29: The Day of Yaoya Oshichi – A Love that Burned a City

Discover the profound history of March 29th in Japan: Yaoya Oshichi's Day. Learn how a 16-year-old girl's desperate arson for love in the Edo period transformed into legendary Kabuki theater and shaped Japanese culture.

2026.03.29

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

March 25: Oshio Heihachiro’s Rebellion (1837) – The Day an Elite Samurai Sacrificed Everything to Save the Starving

Discover the true story of Oshio Heihachiro's Rebellion on March 25, 1837. Learn how an elite samurai risked his life to save the starving citizens of Osaka, shaping Japanese culture and history forever.

2026.03.25

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series