First Love Day

What Is First Love Day?

October 30th is "First Love Day" in Japan. It was established by Nakadanaso, a long-established inn in Komoro, Nagano Prefecture, known for its ties to the poet Shimazaki Toson, and is certified and registered by the Japan Anniversary Association. On this day in 1896, Toson published his poem "Hatsukoi" (First Love).

The Day Toson's Famous Poem Was Published

"First Love" appeared in issue 46 of the magazine Bungakukai as part of a series titled "Koigusa," and was later included in Toson's first poetry collection, Wakanashu.

• Established by: Nakadanaso inn, Komoro, Nagano Prefecture
• Origin of the date: Shimazaki Toson published "First Love" on October 30, 1896
• Opening lines: the poem begins with an image of a girl with her hair newly put up, glimpsed beneath an apple tree, a flowered comb in her hair
• Collection: Wakanashu

The "First Love Apple Bath"

Because apples appear in the poem, Nakadanaso offers a "First Love Apple Bath," with local apples floating in the tub, from October through May. For many years it also held a contest inviting haiku, tanka, essays, and more on the theme of first love, submitted by postcard. A single poem continues to shape travelers' experiences more than a century later.

Tips for Marking This Day

• Read Shimazaki Toson's "First Love" out loud
• Pick up a Meiji-era poetry collection such as Wakanashu
• Quietly look back on your own first love or school days
• Enjoy a snack or dessert made with apples

Bittersweet Memories with a Scent of Apples

Memories of first love are a little embarrassing and precious for everyone. October 30th is a day to savor Toson's poem and recall those nostalgic feelings.