Hand Cream Day
Wordplay AnniversariesWhat Is Hand Cream Day?
November 10th is "Hand Cream Day" in Japan. It was established in 2000 by Yuskin Pharmaceutical, a hand cream maker based in Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture. The date is a wordplay: 11 (ii, "good") and 10 ("ten," sounding like te, "hand"), so it is also called "Good Hands Day." The day is registered with the Japan Anniversary Association.
Just as Dryness Sets In
The date also has a seasonal reason. Around this time, the normal minimum temperature drops below 10 degrees Celsius, skin gets drier, chapped hands become more common, and demand for hand cream rises.
- Established by: Yuskin Pharmaceutical (Kawasaki, Kanagawa)
- Year: 2000
- Why this date (1): the wordplay "ii (11) te (ten = 10)"
- Why this date (2): the point when normal minimum temperatures fall below 10 degrees Celsius and chapped hands increase
- Another meaning: a day to thank your hardworking hands
A Day to Say "Thank You" to Your Hands
Besides encouraging people to use hand cream for smooth, "good" hands, the day is also meant for thanking the hands that work hard every day. Much of our work -- typing, turning pages, carrying things -- is done with our hands. People who often do wet work or wash and sanitize their hands tend to notice dryness more in this season. Linking "hand" to the English word "ten" also makes the date easy to remember.
Tips for Marking This Day
- Keep a tube of hand cream at your desk or in your bag
- Make a habit of applying hand cream after washing your hands
- Take a little more care and massage it all the way to your fingertips
- Say "good job" to your hands after a long day
A Day to Care for Hardworking Hands
Our hands support our daily work and chores. On November 10th, apply some hand cream and give your hardworking hands a little care.