When is Letters and Print Culture Day?

Letters and Print Culture Day is observed every year on October 27.

When was Letters and Print Culture Day established?

Letters and Print Culture Day was established in 2005.

What other anniversaries fall on October 27?

October 27 is also "Reading Week", "Teddy Bears' Day", "World Record Day". See the October 27 page for details.

October 27

Letters and Print Culture Day

Q: What is Letters and Print Culture Day?

Letters and Print Culture Day is an annual observance in Japan, held every year on October 27. What Is Letters and Print Culture Day? October 27th is "Letters and Print Culture Day" in Japan. It was established by t

Other

What Is Letters and Print Culture Day?

October 27th is "Letters and Print Culture Day" in Japan. It was established by the Act on the Promotion of Letters and Print Culture, promulgated and enforced on July 29th, 2005. Its purpose is to deepen public interest in and understanding of written and printed culture.

An Anniversary for Books and Words, Set by Law

While many Japanese anniversaries are created by companies or organizations, this one is notable for being set by law. The date comes from the first day of Book Week, which starts every year on October 27th.

Legal basis: the Act on the Promotion of Letters and Print Culture (promulgated and enforced July 29, 2005)
Origin of the date: the first day of Book Week (October 27 to November 9)
The law's view: letters and print culture are essential for passing on knowledge and wisdom, nurturing rich humanity, and developing a healthy democracy
Main initiatives: improving public and school libraries and promoting reading

The Meaning of "Kan'yo"

The law uses the word "kan'yo," which means to nurture something slowly and gently, the way water naturally seeps into the ground. The ability to read and write well is not built overnight but little by little through daily practice -- and this word captures that nature of reading well.

Tips for Marking This Day

Pick up just one book from your "to read" pile
Drop by a nearby library or bookstore
Recommend a book you enjoyed recently to a coworker or family member
Write a note or letter by hand and spend some time with the written word

Start Book Week by Slowing Down with Words

Now that we read so many short texts on smartphones, time spent with longer writing is all the more valuable. October 27th, the start of Book Week, is a day to feel the power of letters and words once again.