Ichijiku Enema Day (Ichijiku Kanchou no Hi) — 1/19, from "i(1)-i(1)-ku(9)suri" (good medicine)

What Is Ichijiku Enema Day?

January 19th is "Ichijiku Enema Day" in Japan. It was established by Ichijiku Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., based in Sumida, Tokyo, which makes and sells the enema medicine "Ichijiku Kanchō." The date comes from reading 1 and 19 as "ichi-jiku," the Japanese word for fig. The company created the day to mark its 90th anniversary in 2015 and to make its product better known, and the day is registered with the Japan Anniversary Association.

This time of year, disrupted eating habits over the New Year holidays, together with less water intake and less exercise in the cold, can make constipation more common — the company also hoped people would get through the season comfortably.

The Company's History

Ichijiku Pharmaceutical has devoted itself to enema medicine for nearly a century.

• 1925: Tamura, a physician, began making the "Ichijiku-brand simple enema"
• 1926: The business was established as a limited partnership, the Tokyo Simple Enema Manufactory
• 1934: Reorganized as a stock company
• 1945: The head office factory burned down in the Great Tokyo Air Raid in March; production resumed in July in part of the nearby Ushijima Elementary School
• 1947: The factory moved to its current site in Higashi-Komagata, Sumida, and the company has continued to focus on enemas
• 2005: Became a subsidiary of Okamoto Industries
• 2017: Its goodwill-ambassador mascot "Kan-chan" was introduced

Trivia About the Name

• No figs inside: Despite the name, the main ingredient is glycerin — the product contains no fig.
• Where the name comes from: It is said to be named for the container's resemblance to a fig.
• Sizes by age: The product comes in 10 g (ages 0–5), 20 g (ages 6–11), and 30 g and 40 g (12 and over) versions.
• Care-friendly designs: There are also versions with an angled long nozzle and an accordion-style container that is easy to squeeze.
• Another fig day: January 19 is also "Happy Okan Osaka Fig Day," from Habikino in Osaka, based on the same wordplay.

If Constipation Is a Concern

Enemas are medicines for temporary relief of constipation. Read the package insert and follow the directions. If constipation continues for a long time or you have strong abdominal pain, don't keep using them on your own judgment — consult a doctor or pharmacist. Everyday habits such as drinking enough water, eating fiber-rich food, and staying active also help.

Ways to Spend Ichijiku Enema Day

• Look back at eating habits and daily rhythms that may have slipped over the holidays
• Drink warm beverages regularly to make up for water you may be missing in the cold
• Check your home first-aid kit for expired medicines
• If a symptom has been bothering you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist

A Long-Selling Household Medicine

Ichijiku Kanchō is one of Japan's long-selling household medicines, dating back to the Taisho era. It may be a slightly awkward topic, but that's exactly why this day is a good prompt to think about everyday health. On January 19th, why not take a fresh look at how you're managing your health this winter?