#OnThisDay

The Miraculous Infrastructure That Transformed Edo into a Mega-City: The Completion of the Tamagawa Aqueduct on June 20, 1654

Discover the incredible story of the Tamagawa Aqueduct, completed on June 20, 1654. Learn how a 43km waterway built in just 8 months transformed Edo into modern Tokyo.

2026.06.20

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

June 15 is “Kome Hyappyo Day”: The Ultimate Choice Between Hunger and Creating a Million Sacks for Tomorrow

Discover the true story of Kome Hyappyo Day (June 15). Learn how a ruined Japanese samurai town in 1870 chose to invest in education instead of eating their last 100 sacks of rice, shaping the future of modern Japan.

2026.06.15

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

June 14, 1987: The Legendary “Madonna Typhoon” Makes Landfall in Osaka

Discover the cultural impact of Madonna's legendary first concert in Japan on June 14, 1987. Explore the 1980s Japanese bubble economy, fashion shifts, and the history of Osaka Stadium in this deep dive into retro Japan.

2026.06.14

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

June 13, 1948: The Day Japanese Literature Lost Its Maverick, Osamu Dazai

Discover the history behind June 13, 1948, the day Japan lost literary genius Osamu Dazai. Explore his final days, the cultural concept of Shinju, and his profound impact on modern society.

2026.06.13

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

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 30] The Soul of Japan Rising from the Ashes: The Law for the Protection of Cultural Properties

Discover the tragic history behind Japan's Law for the Protection of Cultural Properties. Explore the unique Japanese philosophy of preserving intangible heritage, traditional craftsmanship, and National Treasures.

2026.05.30

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

May 28th is “Fireworks Day”: Flowers of Prayer in the Night Sky and the Depths of Japanese Culture

Discover the profound history behind Japan's Fireworks Day on May 28. Learn how a 1733 memorial service on the Sumida River transformed into the spectacular Hanabi festivals deeply rooted in Japanese culture and the aesthetic of ephemeral beauty.

2026.05.28

“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

What is May 22? The Birth of Pac-Man and the Global Leap of Japan’s “Kawaii” Culture

Discover the history of May 22, 1980, the day Pac-Man was announced. Learn how this iconic retro arcade game introduced Japan's unique Kawaii culture to the world.

2026.05.22

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series