When is Lightning McQueen Day?

Lightning McQueen Day is observed every year on September 5.

When was Lightning McQueen Day established?

Lightning McQueen Day was established in 2019.

What other anniversaries fall on September 5?

September 5 is also "Coal Day (Sekitan no Hi / Clean Coal Day)", "People's Honor Award Day", "International Day of Charity". See the September 5 page for details.

September 5

Lightning McQueen Day

Q: What is Lightning McQueen Day?

Lightning McQueen Day is an annual observance in Japan, held every year on September 5. What Is Lightning McQueen Day? September 5th is "Lightning McQueen Day," named for the racing number "95" worn by Lightn

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What Is Lightning McQueen Day?

September 5th is "Lightning McQueen Day," named for the racing number "95" worn by Lightning McQueen, the star race car of Disney·Pixar's "Cars" franchise. The day was established by The Walt Disney Company (Japan) and certified and registered by the Japan Anniversary Association in 2019. The same date, September 5th, is celebrated as "Lightning McQueen Day" in the United States as well.

Who Is Lightning McQueen, Exactly?

Lightning McQueen made his debut as a supremely confident rookie race car in the 2006 film "Cars." Across the franchise, McQueen — who starts out chasing glory at all costs — gradually learns, through his encounters in the small town of Radiator Springs, that there are things more important than winning.

Voice cast: voiced by Owen Wilson in the English-language version and Gaku Hamada in the Japanese dub
The number "95": his racing number was a deliberate creative choice by the filmmakers, and the anniversary date was built around this symbolic number rather than the film's actual release year
The franchise: spans three feature films, along with spin-offs and theme park attractions

Merchandise Timed to the Anniversary

To coincide with the anniversary, toy maker Takara Tomy releases a limited-edition "Cars Tomica Lightning McQueen" model each year, making September 5th a day fans look forward to for new products and special features.

Tips for Marking This Day

Rewatch the "Cars" film series and revisit McQueen's journey of growth
Check out this year's Lightning McQueen Day limited-edition merchandise and Tomica models
Look around for other things numbered "95"
Think about what matters more to you than simply "winning"

Speed Isn't Everything

Lightning McQueen grew from a rookie obsessed solely with winning into a race car who values the bonds he forms along the way. On September 5th, his number "95" is a reminder that what truly matters isn't just the race in front of you, but the people and moments you encounter on the way there.