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. 

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.  

Today, as we celebrate Mountain Day, let’s look at some statistics about Japan’s geography.  According to the Ministry of the Environment: Government of Japan, forests cover 67% of Japan’s total land area, and mountains and hills cover 70%.  70% is a lot of space to be covered by mountains. 

Umi no Hi, also known as Marine Day, is celebrated annually on the third Monday of July.  As a maritime country, Japan has a deep connection with the ocean, and although the holiday itself has only been officially recognized for 20 years, its history dates back much further.

In line with the idea of giving daily, today we are sharing 10 OTHER charity organizations within Japan that you can be a part of to make a d

June 8th is World Oceans Day. It is celebrated annually to focus on the importance of the ocean and the importance our actions have on it.

The 2025 theme is #BeatPlasticPollution. You can choose to follow along with the current theme and their movement through https://www.worldenvironmentday.global/, or you can focus on environmental issues within your community.

From early June to mid-July, Japan enters its tsuyu, or rainy season. The days become warm and humid, and sudden downpours are common. But amid the misty evenings and damp air, a beautiful seasonal event begins—the arrival of fireflies. Known in Japanese as hotaru, these glowing insects have long been symbols of summer, nostalgia, and the quiet magic of nature.