#TokyoLife

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

What is Today? February 17th: “Gacha Day” and the Infinite World inside a Plastic Capsule

Discover the history of Japan's Gacha Day (Feb 17). Explore why high-quality capsule toys are a cultural phenomenon, from anime figures to weird miniatures, and essential souvenirs.
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

Japan harbors a mysterious and gentle custom unlike any other in the world. If you were to visit a Japanese temple on February 8th, you might witness a surreal scene: people solemnly sticking sewing needles into blocks of tofu or konjac jelly.

On Feb 8th, Japan celebrates Hari-Kuyo, the Festival of Broken Needles. Discover why needles are stuck in tofu and learn about the Japanese spirit of animism and gratitude for tools.
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

December 23rd. While much of the world is wrapped in the festive spirit of Christmas, for the skyline of Tokyo, this date holds a special, monumental significance. On this day in 1958, the Tokyo Tower was completed and officially opened. Standing at 333 meters (1,092 feet), it boasted the title of the world’s tallest self-supporting steel tower at the time. Piercing the sky with its vibrant red framework, it stood not just as a broadcasting antenna, but as a powerful symbol of Japan’s post-war recovery and rapid economic growth.

Discover the history of Tokyo Tower, completed on Dec 23, 1958. Explore its post-war significance, engineering marvels, and why it remains Tokyo's beloved symbol over Skytree.