Olive Day

What Is Olive Day?

March 15 is "Olive Day," established in 1972 (Showa 47) by the Shodoshima Olive Preservation Society in Kagawa Prefecture. It commemorates a historical event on March 15, 1950 (Showa 25), when Emperor Showa visited Shodoshima Island and personally planted olive seeds. The seeds sprouted and have grown into fine trees. The day celebrates the spirit of olives as a symbol of peace, sharing the appeal of olives from Shodoshima, the heart of Japan's olive cultivation, with the rest of the country.

The History of Olive Cultivation in Japan

Shodoshima's reputation as "Olive Island" stems from both its climate and the relentless efforts of past generations.

• Successful domestic cultivation: In 1908 (Meiji 41), the Ministry of Agriculture and Commerce began trial olive cultivation in Mie, Kagoshima, and Kagawa prefectures. Shodoshima, with a climate similar to the Mediterranean, is said to have been the only location where the trees grew successfully.
• A symbol of peace: The olive is famously regarded as a symbol of peace and hope, originating from the story of Noah's Ark in the Old Testament. The olive branch is also famously depicted on the emblem of the United Nations flag, representing a wish for world peace.

Kagawa and the Olive

After its success on Shodoshima, the olive became a symbol of Kagawa Prefecture.

• Prefectural flower and tree: The olive is both the official flower and the official tree of Kagawa Prefecture, and much of Japan's domestic olive crop is grown in Kagawa, especially on Shodoshima.
• Events on the day: The Olive Preservation Society created the day to help more people learn about olives, and various events are held on Shodoshima around this date every year.

Interesting Facts About Olives

• One of the world's oldest cultivated plants: Olives are thought to have been cultivated since thousands of years BCE, making them one of the oldest plants utilized by humans.
• What "extra virgin" means: Extra virgin olive oil is essentially a "juice" obtained simply by pressing the fruit, with no chemical processing involved. Only oils that meet strict standards, including acidity levels, can carry this designation.
• Trees that live for millennia: Olive trees are extremely long-lived. Along the Mediterranean coast, trees said to be more than 2,000 years old still bear fruit.
• Removing the bitterness: Freshly picked olives are intensely bitter and inedible as-is, requiring a careful curing process using lye or saltwater to remove the bitterness.
• The lucky "heart-shaped" leaf: At olive parks on Shodoshima, finding a rare "heart-shaped leaf" is considered a lucky charm believed to bring happiness.

Spread the Branch of Peace and Embrace Inner Richness

Olive Day is a day to nurture "peace" and "wellness" within yourself. The silvery-green leaves swaying in the wind remind us of the value of resilience without breaking, and of nurturing fresh wisdom. On March 15, why not drizzle some golden olive oil over your meal, or take a quiet moment to look at an olive tree? Just as a single seed of peace can grow into a great forest, your small kindnesses can spread warmth and healing to those around you.

Tips for Enjoying Olive Day

• Drizzle fresh extra virgin olive oil over bread or tofu and enjoy a "tasting" that engages all your senses with its fruity aroma and peppery kick
• In the spirit of the olive as a symbol of peace, send a gentle message to a friend or loved one you've lost touch with - a small act of "peace diplomacy" of your own
• To mark March 15 (Olive Day), use olive-based soap or cream to moisturize skin that's been dried out by winter, and take a moment to care for yourself
• Learn about the history of Shodoshima or Mediterranean recipes, and incorporate a "simple but rich lifestyle" that makes the most of nature's gifts into your daily routine

A Radiant Glow to Fill Your Days With Fulfillment

March 15 is a day when your senses become more attuned, helping you find beauty and calm in everyday moments. Just as olive trees bear rich fruit after enduring strong sunlight, your efforts are also beginning to bear wonderful results. A flexible, resilient spirit is the key to turning any situation into something positive. May today be a day filled with refreshing discoveries and turn out to be a "fresh and peaceful" day!