#OnThisDay

“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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

May 12, 1948: The Day Osamu Dazai Completed “No Longer Human”

Discover the history and cultural impact of May 12, 1948, the day Osamu Dazai completed "No Longer Human." Explore the Japanese concepts of Honne and Tatemae through this literary masterpiece.
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

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.
“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.
“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.
“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.