Cactus Day (Saboten no Hi)

What Is Cactus Day?

Every year on March 10th, Japan observes "Cactus Day" (Saboten no Hi), established by Gikoen Co., Ltd., headquartered in Mizuho City, Gifu Prefecture, which runs the cactus garden "Saboten Village." The date comes from the wordplay "sa (3) - boten (ten = 10)," which sounds like "saboten" (cactus), and from the fact that cacti bloom in March. The day aims to share the appeal of cacti with more people and is registered with the Japan Anniversary Association.

How Cacti Survive Harsh Environments

Cacti are among the plants best adapted to some of Earth's harshest conditions.

• Why leaves became spines: Cactus spines are thought to be modified leaves; they are said to help reduce water loss and protect the plant from being eaten.
• Amazing water storage: Many cacti store water in their thick stems, allowing them to survive for long periods in dry lands with little rain.

Fascinating Facts About Cacti

• The origin of the name "saboten": The leading theory holds that Europeans in early Japan wiped tatami mats and clothing with the cut stems of prickly pear cacti, using the sap like soap ("shabon"), so the plant came to be called something like "the soap-like thing." The spelling "shaboten" was still used in some cases until the 1960s.
• Active at night: Many cacti open their stomata at night, when it is cooler, to absorb carbon dioxide, a special metabolic process called CAM photosynthesis, which helps minimize water loss.
• Giants that live over a century: The saguaro of the deserts of the southwestern United States can grow more than 10 meters tall and is said to live more than 100 years.
• Beautiful flowers: Although usually covered in fierce spines, cacti produce vividly beautiful flowers when they bloom. The "queen of the night," which blooms for just one night, is also a member of the cactus family.
• Saboten Village: Gikoen was founded in 1964 and grows cacti and succulents in extensive greenhouses; the site even has a "Cactus Shrine." The company has also designated November 20 as "Succulent Day."

Strength and Quiet Build an Unbreakable Heart

Cactus Day is a day to learn the "quiet strength" of staying true to yourself and patiently waiting for your moment, even in difficult circumstances. Just as a cactus stores moisture inside even while facing the desert's scorching winds, we too want to cultivate firm convictions within. On March 10th, why not gaze at a small potted cactus and reflect on your own steady, unhurried growth?

Tips for Enjoying Cactus Day

• Bring home a favorite cactus and place it on your desk or windowsill, adding a touch of green calm to your daily life
• Brush up on cactus care — adjust sunlight exposure and watering schedules to respond to its vitality
• Look into cactus-based dishes like steaks or salads and try a new taste experience
• Take a moment to look at photos of the surprisingly delicate, beautiful flowers hidden among the spines, and reflect on the importance of nurturing inner beauty

Inner Brilliance Will Someday Bloom into a Magnificent Flower

March 10th is a day to trust the effort you've steadily built up. Just as harsh conditions gave the cactus its one-of-a-kind form, your own experiences have shaped a charm that's uniquely yours. May today bring a sense of inner strength — the most "resilient yet beautiful" day of all!