TOTO Day

What Is TOTO Day?

October 10th is "TOTO Day" in Japan, an anniversary named for the American rock band TOTO. Because of the same "to (10) to (10)" wordplay, the date is also sometimes introduced as a day for "toto," Japan's soccer lottery.

The Rock Band TOTO's Day

The band name "TOTO" can be read as "10 (toh)-month 10 (toh)-day" in Japanese. Sony Music Labels Inc. established the day in 2018 to mark the band's 40th debut anniversary, and it was recognized and registered by the Japan Anniversary Association.

TOTO is an American rock band that has been beloved across generations since their 1978 debut, known for classics like "Africa" and "Rosanna."

• Origin: comes from the way the band name "TOTO" echoes the doubled sound of "10 (toh)"
• Background: recognized to commemorate the milestone 40th anniversary of the band's debut in 2018
• Musical appeal: known as a leading band in the AOR (adult-oriented rock) genre, celebrated for exceptional musicianship and polished melodies

Timeless Songs That Remain Beloved Across Generations

"Africa" continues to be listened to across generations decades after its release, even spreading to younger listeners through the internet -- a testament to its enduring appeal.

"toto Day" for Japan's Soccer Lottery

"toto" is the nickname of Japan's sports promotion lottery, in which players predict the results of soccer matches. Under Japan's Sports Promotion Lottery Law (officially the "Act on Carrying Out, etc. Sports Promotion Vote"), passed in 1998, trial sales were held in Shizuoka Prefecture in 2000 and nationwide sales began in March 2001. It was first run by the National Agency for the Advancement of Sports and Health and is now run by its successor, the Japan Sport Council.

Some Japanese anniversary websites also list October 10th as "toto Day" based on the same wordplay, though we could not confirm this on the operator's official website.

Lottery proceeds fund grants for sports in Japan, such as building sports facilities, supporting community sports clubs, and discovering and developing promising athletes.

Tips for Marking This Day

• Listen to TOTO's greatest hits and revisit their classic songs
• Rediscover the appeal of timeless songs like "Africa"
• Check out TOTO's live performances or documentaries
• Learn how the toto soccer lottery works and what kinds of sports programs its proceeds support

Where "10" Meets "10": Music and Sports

The same "to (10) to (10)" wordplay matches both a rock band's name and the nickname of a sports promotion lottery. October 10th is a day to listen to TOTO's classics and to appreciate the systems that support sports.