When is Celestial Maiden Day?

Celestial Maiden Day is observed every year on October 24.

When was Celestial Maiden Day established?

Celestial Maiden Day was established in 2016.

What other anniversaries fall on October 24?

October 24 is also "United Nations Day", "Two-by-Four Housing Day (Two-by-Four Juutaku no Hi)", "Java Sparrow Day (Bunchō no Hi)". See the October 24 page for details.

October 24

Celestial Maiden Day

Q: What is Celestial Maiden Day?

Celestial Maiden Day is an annual observance in Japan, held every year on October 24. What Is Celestial Maiden Day? October 24th is "Celestial Maiden Day" (Tennyo no Hi) in Japan. It was established by a gr

Wordplay Anniversaries

What Is Celestial Maiden Day?

October 24th is "Celestial Maiden Day" (Tennyo no Hi) in Japan. It was established by a group of municipalities across Japan that share legends of celestial maidens and signed a joint declaration at the "Tennyo Summit," and was certified and registered by the Japan Anniversary Association in 2016. The date is a play on words: 10 ("ten" in English) and 24 ("nyo") read together as "tennyo," or celestial maiden. The day aims to promote community-building based on these legends, raise awareness and energize local activities.

A Day Created by Towns That Share Celestial Maiden Legends

Legends of celestial maidens survive in many parts of Japan. This day was born from cooperation among municipalities that have such legends.

Established by: Municipalities that signed the Tennyo Summit joint declaration
Certified: Registered by the Japan Anniversary Association in 2016
Date origin: Wordplay reading 10 as "ten" and 24 as "nyo" to make "tennyo"
Participants (2016): Kawamata (Fukushima), Nagahama (Shiga), Kyotango (Kyoto), Takaishi (Osaka), Yurihama and Kurayoshi (Tottori), and Ginowan (Okinawa)

The Tale of the Maiden Whose Feathered Robe Was Taken

Celestial maidens are said to fly through the sky wearing a feathered robe called a hagoromo. In the "Hagoromo legend" told in many regions, a maiden's robe is taken while she bathes, leaving her unable to return to the heavens, and she marries a man on earth. It is fascinating that similar tales survive from Fukushima in the north to Okinawa in the south.

Tips for Marking This Day

Look into the folktales and legends of your own area
Read and compare Hagoromo legends from different places
Check out tourism information for the towns that joined the Tennyo Summit
Look for other wordplay anniversaries in everyday life

Legends Become Stories That Connect Communities

The fact that similar celestial maiden stories are told in places far apart shows the depth of Japanese folklore. October 24th is a day to lend an ear to the legends and folktales around you.