Hay Fever Awareness Day (Kafunshou Kinenbi)

What Is Hay Fever Awareness Day?

March 7th is celebrated every year as Hay Fever Awareness Day. It commemorates Japan's first-ever "Hay Fever Countermeasures Symposium," held on March 7, 1993 (Heisei 5), organized by companies and groups related to hay fever care. The day aims to spread accurate knowledge among people suffering from hay fever, encourage prevention and treatment, and raise awareness of the issue across society as a whole. This date was chosen because it typically falls during the peak of cedar pollen season in Japan.

The Historical Link Between Hay Fever and Japan's Environment

In fact, hay fever is one of the "modern diseases" closely tied to changes in Japan's postwar environment.

• Postwar reforestation: After the war, vast numbers of fast-growing, easy-to-process cedar and cypress trees were planted across Japan for reconstruction and housing. As these trees matured and reached their peak pollen-production years, this became a major factor behind the surge in hay fever cases.
• The effects of urbanization: In cities covered with asphalt, pollen that falls to the ground isn't absorbed into the soil and instead gets repeatedly blown back into the air, a phenomenon called "re-suspension." This is a fact that makes symptoms worse for city dwellers.

Interesting Facts About Hay Fever

• Where the name came from: In the 1870s, a British physician coined the term "hay fever" after noticing that fever-like symptoms occurred after exposure to hay from grasslands.
• Discovered in Japan: In Japan, "cedar pollen allergy" was first formally reported as a fact in 1963 (Showa 38) by Dr. Yozo Saito, based on observations near cedar-lined avenues in Nikko.
• Working toward zero pollen: In recent years, there has been a planned effort to replace cedar trees with low-pollen varieties.
• Astonishing travel distance: Cedar pollen carried by the wind can, in fact, travel tens to over a hundred kilometers from its source.
• The link to diet: Foods like yogurt and lotus root are gaining attention for their ability to support gut health, which in turn helps keep the immune system balanced and may ease allergy symptoms.

Protect Clean Air and Enjoy a Healthy Spring

Hay Fever Awareness Day is a day to correctly understand the "defense signals" your body is sending and to find ways to get through the season comfortably and without unnecessary stress. Itchy eyes and a runny nose are unpleasant, but they're also proof that your body is working to protect itself from foreign substances. On March 7th, why not smartly adopt the latest countermeasures, keep stress to a minimum, and make room in your heart to positively enjoy spring's soft sunlight and colors?

Tips for Enjoying Hay Fever Awareness Day

• Check the latest weather forecasts and pollen reports, and plan your outfit for the day based on expected pollen levels
• Reaffirm basic habits like brushing off your clothes before entering your home, and washing your face and gargling thoroughly to avoid bringing pollen indoors
• Treat yourself to high-performance masks, glasses, or nasal rinse products — refresh your "latest countermeasure gear" to boost your comfort
• Enjoy seasonal spring flavors and soothing teas or herbal teas while spending relaxing indoor time reading or pursuing a hobby

Clear Vision Lets You Capture the Bright Scenery of Spring

March 7th is a day to prepare so that you're not held back by uncomfortable symptoms and can go about your day with ease. May the right care and countermeasures lift any heaviness you feel and bring you to a healthy state where you can truly welcome the arrival of spring. May today be a refreshing, clear day for you!