Chimney Day

What Is Chimney Day?

November 11th is "Chimney Day" in Japan. The date comes from the numeral sequence "1111" resembling four chimneys standing side by side.

A Simple Wordplay Born From Straight, Towering Chimneys

Chimneys have long been used at factories, public bathhouses, and fireplaces to vent smoke and gas produced by combustion.

• Origin: the straight line of "1" is likened to a chimney, and four lined up as "1111" became the holiday's date
• Purpose: to spread awareness of the role chimneys have played and the distinctive presence of their silhouette
• Chimneys' changing landscape: once a symbol of factory districts, chimneys have grown fewer in number as industrial structures have changed

Chimneys as a Cherished Part of the Landscape

Chimneys at public bathhouses and factories have a history of being cherished as local landmarks. Their silhouette, stretching straight toward the sky, carries a certain nostalgic charm.

Tips for Marking This Day

• Look for chimneys still standing in your area
• Visit a public bathhouse with a chimney
• Look into the history and role of chimneys
• Take a walk through an old-fashioned neighborhood

Chimneys Reaching Toward the Sky Carry a Town's Memory

Though fewer in number now, the chimneys that remain quietly tell the story of a region's history. November 11th is a day to look up and notice the chimneys around you.