Land Day

What Is Land Day?

October 1st is "Land Day" in Japan. The date comes from the fact that combining the kanji characters for "ten" (十) and "one" (一) forms the character for "earth/land" (土). It was established in 1997 by the National Land Agency (now the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism).

A Day to Reconsider "Land," the Foundation of Daily Life

Land Day aims to deepen public interest and understanding around the proper use of land, a limited national resource.

• Origin: a wordplay rooted in kanji structure -- combining "ten" (十) and "one" (一) forms the character for "earth" (土)
• Purpose: to raise awareness of effective land use and proper land management
• Related initiatives: as part of "Land Month," symposiums and lectures are held across the country throughout October

Growing Attention to Social Issues Surrounding Land

Issues surrounding land use -- from population decline and vacant housing to disaster-prevention land planning -- have become increasingly diverse in recent years. Land Day also serves as an opportunity to consider these social challenges.

Tips for Marking This Day

• Look into land use in the area where you live
• Talk with family about real estate or your housing situation
• Think about local land use from the perspective of vacant housing or disaster prevention
• Learn with your kids about how "ten" and "one" combine to form the character for "land"

A Renewed Look at the Land Beneath Our Feet

The land beneath us, something we rarely think about, is a vital foundation supporting our everyday lives. October 1st is a day to pause and reflect on the land right where you stand.