As summer fades and cool breezes begin to sweep across Japan, conversations often turn to Jūgoya (十五夜), also called Tsukimi or Otsukimi, meaning “moon-viewing.”

JECO—short for Jaladurgam’s Eco—is my way of saying “this belongs to me, but also to all of us.” Eco, for me, isn’t just the environment—it’s the culture we create around it. I first felt its urgency through Climate Fresk that revealed how deeply human actions intertwine with environmental impact. Later, in Tokyo, I thrived in vibrant climate communities, weekends filled with ideas and energy.

Every year in Japan, there are two very special days when day and night are perfectly equal in length: the spring equinox in March and the autumn equinox in September. Both of these days are public holidays, but they’re also tied to a Buddhist tradition called O-Higan (お彼岸).

Every September, Japan welcomes one of the most meaningful seasonal markers of the year: the Autumn Equinox (Shūbun no Hi, 秋分の日). Usually falling on September 22 or 23, this holiday officially ushers in autumn. On this day, the sun rises directly in the east and sets directly in the west, with day and night balanced in perfect harmony. 

While peace is all of those things, it is also a state of being.  One without internal peace will strive to destroy the peace around them.  Today, on International Day of Peace, let’s focus on peace and consider our role in how it can be achieved. 

As a part of the Happy Monday system, it is currently celebrated on the third Monday of September.  Its 2025 date of September 15th aligns perfectly with its 1947 predecessor.  Today, as we celebrate Respect for the Aged Day, let’s delve into its history and the issues Japan’s elderly population faces today.

We provide behind-the-scenes support to NPOs working to solve social issues, helping them to fully utilize their capabilities. We will create opportunities for seniors to fully utilize their abilities and actively participate in society.

In 1960, after yet another devastating natural disaster, the Ise Bay Typhoon of September 1959, the government decided to create Disaster Prevention Day.  To raise public awareness and disaster prevention knowledge, September 1st was chosen to commemorate the date of the Great Kanto Earthquake.