Magnet Day

What Is Magnet Day?

October 1st is "Magnet Day" in Japan. The date comes from a wordplay likening the kanji characters for "ten" (十) and "one" (一) to a magnet's "+" (north pole) and "-" (south pole).

The Curious Power Created by Plus and Minus

A magnet consists of two poles with opposite properties, north and south, and magnets are put to use in countless places in everyday life.

• Origin: a wordplay likening "ten" (十) to "+" and "one" (一) to "-," representing a magnet's two poles
• Purpose: to raise broader awareness of the properties, functions, and everyday value of magnets
• Everyday examples: magnets are used in motors, speakers, refrigerator magnets, and countless other aspects of daily life

The Curious Nature of "Attraction" and "Repulsion"

The property that opposite poles attract while like poles repel is a familiar topic in children's science education. This invisible magnetic force continues to underpin much of modern technology.

Tips for Marking This Day

• Look for products around you that use magnets
• Test out the attraction and repulsion of a magnet's north and south poles firsthand
• Look into how magnets work and where they're used
• Try a simple magnet experiment together with your kids

An Invisible Force Supports Countless Corners of Daily Life

The attraction and repulsion generated by magnets play an essential role in modern technology, from motors to sensors. October 1st is a day to reflect on the presence of this invisible magnetic force.