Baby Day

What Is Baby Day?

October 10th is "Baby Day" in Japan, inspired by the traditional Japanese phrase "totsuki toka" ("ten months, ten days"), describing the length of pregnancy. It was established by Akachan Honpo Co., a retailer of baby products.

The Weight of Life Carried in "Ten Months, Ten Days"

"Pregnancy lasts ten months and ten days" is a long-standing Japanese expression describing the time it takes for a new life to be born.

• Origin: the customary phrase describing the length of pregnancy, "totsuki toka," was turned directly into the date of this holiday
• Purpose: to pray for babies' healthy growth and to say "thank you for being born"
• Counting the days: pregnancy lasts about 280 days (40 weeks) counted from the first day of the last menstrual period. Counting four weeks (28 days) as one month makes exactly ten months, and there are several explanations of how "ten months and ten days" is counted

The Joy and Anxiety of Welcoming a New Family Member

Pregnancy and childbirth bring great joy, but also come with real physical and emotional burdens. Baby Day also serves as an opportunity to broaden understanding and support for pregnant women and families raising children.

Tips for Marking This Day

• Show extra care and attention to a pregnant friend or family raising a child
• Learn about fetal development and the stages of pregnancy
• Reflect on the story of your own birth or a family member's
• Look into childcare support and pregnancy assistance programs

Ten Months and Ten Days Nurture an Irreplaceable Life

A life slowly growing in the womb carries within it the long span of ten months and ten days. October 10th is a day to reflect once again on that weight, and that joy.