Wave Day (Nami no Hi)
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What Is Wave Day?
July 3rd is "Wave Day" (Nami no Hi) in Japan. The date is based on a wordplay: "7" can be read as "na" and "3" as "mi," which together form "nami" — the Japanese word for "wave." The day was established in the hope that more people would take an interest in the sea and surfing, and it is registered with the Japan Anniversary Association.
The Origins of Wave Day
The day is registered by First Trade Co., Ltd., an e-commerce support and operations company headquartered in Awara, Fukui Prefecture. The company took over the anniversary when it acquired the surfing and wave information service "Nami Aru?" (なみある？) from CYBIRD Co., Ltd.
- Established by: First Trade Co., Ltd., which inherited the day along with the "Nami Aru?" wave information service.
- Origin: A wordplay on "na (7) mi (3)" forming "nami" (wave).
- About "Nami Aru?": The service began in 1999 as a wave information site for mobile phones, launched together with NTT Docomo's i-mode service. The business was transferred to First Trade on May 1, 2023.
- Timing: Early July, right as the main summer beach season begins.
- Related fields: Marine sports such as surfing, and coastal environmental awareness.
Fun Facts About Waves
- How waves form: Most ocean waves are generated by wind blowing across the surface of the water, transferring energy to it.
- Wind waves and swell: Wind-driven waves come in two kinds — "fūrō" (wind waves) raised by the wind blowing right there, and "uneri" (swell) that formed far away and traveled in. Wind waves have sharp, pointed crests.
- Surf culture in Japan: Coastal areas such as Shonan, Chiba, and parts of Shikoku and Kyushu are well known as popular surfing destinations.
- Waves and disaster preparedness: While waves often evoke a sense of calm and relaxation, they're also an important topic in disaster preparedness — including storm surges and tsunamis.
How to Spend This Day
July 3rd is a good day to feel a closer connection to the ocean and its waves. Whether it's an actual trip to the beach, a beach cleanup, or simply learning more about how waves and tides work, it's a great opportunity to engage with the sea.