Smile Anniversary

What Is Smile Anniversary?

August 8th is "Smile Anniversary" in Japan. The date carries a wish that smiles will spread across the world, inspired by the widening shape of the kanji "八" (eight), along with a wordplay reading "88" as the sound of laughter, "ha-ha." It was established in 2008.

A Wish for Smiles, Carried in the Widening Shape of "八"

Smile Anniversary is more than just a wordplay-based holiday -- it's a day that turns attention to the power a smile itself can hold.

• Origin: the widening shape of "八" is likened to the image of smiles spreading out across the world
• Another layer of meaning: "88" is also read as "ha-ha," the sound of laughter
• Year established: established in 2008, just before social media use began to surge

What a Smile Does for the Mind and Body

Smiling is said to lower stress hormones and boost feelings of happiness. Research even suggests that even a forced smile can trick the brain into feeling "enjoyment," renewing interest in the value of consciously choosing to smile.

Tips for Marking This Day

• Stand in front of a mirror and consciously make yourself smile
• Share a story with family or friends that's sure to get a laugh
• Post a smiling photo on social media
• Say "thank you" a little more often than usual today

Like the Widening Character "八," a Smile Keeps Spreading Outward

A single smile has the power to draw out a smile from someone nearby. On August 8th, in the spirit of the ever-widening "八," share your smile with the people around you.