Departure Day (Shuppatsu no Hi)

What Is Departure Day?

Every year on April 8th, Japan observes "Departure Day" (Shuppatsu no Hi). The date comes from the wordplay "shi (4) - ha (8) - tsu," which sounds like "shuppatsu," meaning "departure." It was established by Ajinomoto Co., Inc. As the new fiscal year and school term begin, bringing major lifestyle changes, this day encourages people to restore their daily rhythm and eat a healthy breakfast to "depart" with energy. It's a refreshing day meant to encourage everyone taking a step toward new goals and dreams.

Scientific Facts About New Beginnings and the Body Clock

To make a smooth "departure," it's important to align your body's internal rhythm.

• Breakfast resets your "clock genes": Our internal body clock naturally runs slightly longer than 24 hours. Waking up, getting sunlight, and eating breakfast resets the "clock genes" in the brain and organs, scientifically switching the body into daytime activity mode.
• Serotonin production: Eating protein (tryptophan) at breakfast helps the brain synthesize serotonin, the "happiness hormone." This boosts daytime motivation and later converts into melatonin to promote nighttime sleep — a good "departure" leads to good sleep.

Psychological Facts About Taking a New Step

Stepping into the unknown is both stressful and one of the brain's best sources of nourishment.

• The "fresh start effect": Psychology shows that setting goals at meaningful turning points — like a new year or new school term — leads to higher success rates than at other times. A new environment is a perfect opportunity to reset past habits and build a new self-image.
• Expanding your comfort zone: Taking a step outside your comfort zone — your "departure" — boosts neural plasticity. Taking a new commute route or meeting new people is a powerful stimulus for keeping cognitive function youthful.

Fascinating Facts About Departures

• The origin of "kadode" (sending someone off): The Japanese word for "departure" or "send-off," kadode, comes from the custom of seeing travelers off as far as the gate ("kado") to pray for their safety — a sign that departures have long been treated as sacred moments in Japan.
• The world's busiest departure point: Shinjuku Station holds a Guinness World Record for the busiest station by passenger numbers — over 3 million people "depart" from there each day on average, shaping the massive pulse of the city.
• The aviation industry's definition of "departure": A flight is officially considered to have "departed" not when the doors close, but the moment the aircraft starts moving under its own power or by tow ("block-out").
• Using science to beat the "three-day quitter": Sustaining initial motivation is key — the brain takes about 21 days on average to recognize a new behavior as a "habit," making the start of April crucial for setting the tone for the year.
• Departures into space: Rocket launches often take place near the equator to take advantage of Earth's rotational speed. A "departure" that follows the laws of nature is the most efficient way to travel far.

Tips for Spending Departure Day

• On the morning of April 8th, wake up a little earlier than usual and drink a warm soup or miso soup to warm your insides — preparing for "departure" from the inside out fills the day with positive energy
• Write down again the things you wanted to do or places you wanted to go this new fiscal year. Putting vague desires into words gives your brain a clear "destination" and helps you start without hesitation
• "Starting with the form" also helps — break in new shoes or start using a new planner, refreshing your surroundings to create the excitement of "departing" as a new self
• Treat today as a "do-over day." If April 1st didn't go as planned, set this "Departure Day" as your second starting line and step forward with renewed determination and a lighter step

Like the First Stroke on a Blank Canvas, Your Resolve Paves a Shining Path to the Future

April 8th is a day for everyone to begin a new chapter as the protagonist of their own story. The tension you feel on the morning of departure is proof that you're seriously trying to change your future. Opening a heavy door takes effort, but once a story starts moving, it gathers momentum and carries you to wonderful places. What matters isn't aiming for perfection from the start — it's simply "departing." Take a deep breath, step forward with confidence, and your best day starts right here, right now.