When is Zenjimaru Persimmon Day?

Zenjimaru Persimmon Day is observed every year on October 21.

When was Zenjimaru Persimmon Day established?

Zenjimaru Persimmon Day was established in 2012.

What other anniversaries fall on October 21?

October 21 is also "Lighting Day (Akari no Hi)", "Back to the Future Day", "International Anti-War Day (Kokusai Hansen Day)". See the October 21 page for details.

October 21

Zenjimaru Persimmon Day

Q: What is Zenjimaru Persimmon Day?

Zenjimaru Persimmon Day is an annual observance in Japan, held every year on October 21. What Is Zenjimaru Persimmon Day? October 21st is "Zenjimaru Persimmon Day" in Japan. On this day in 2012, a "Zenjimaru P

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What Is Zenjimaru Persimmon Day?

October 21st is "Zenjimaru Persimmon Day" in Japan. On this day in 2012, a "Zenjimaru Persimmon Summit" was held to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Asao Ward in Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture, and the Zenjimaru persimmon was named the ward's official tree. The day is registered with the Japan Anniversary Association. The Zenjimaru is said to be Japan's oldest variety of sweet persimmon.

Japan's Oldest Sweet Persimmon, Found About 800 Years Ago

The Zenjimaru persimmon is said to have been discovered in 1214, during the Kamakura period, in the hills of Ozenji Temple in what is now Asao Ward.

Discovery: Said to have been found in 1214 in the hills of Ozenji Temple
Characteristics: Small, round and sweet, with large seeds
Place name: Kakio Village, which existed in the Meiji era, was named after the Zenjimaru persimmon
Cultural property: Registered as a national Registered Monument in 2007
Why this date: Named the ward tree at the 30th-anniversary "Zenjimaru Persimmon Summit" on October 21, 2012

A Persimmon That Supported Local Life Since the Edo Period

Cultivation of the Zenjimaru persimmon spread from around 1648 in the Edo period and peaked at the end of the Meiji era. In 1921, Kakio Village is said to have produced 938 tons. Records show the fruit was presented to Emperor Meiji in 1909. The Kakio Zenjimaru Persimmon Preservation Society was formed in 1995 and continues to protect the trees and make wine, among other activities.

Tips for Marking This Day

Enjoy some persimmons now that they are in season
Look up your area's local specialties or official ward or city tree
Visit places connected to the Zenjimaru persimmon, such as Kakio and Ozenji
Look for foods or plants that gave their names to places

800 Years of History Live On in a Place Name and Daily Life

A single persimmon became a place name and a cultural property, and it is still cherished by the community today. October 21st is a day to enjoy autumn persimmons and reflect on the history of the places around you.