Good Color Painting Day

What Is Good Color Painting Day?

November 16th is "Good Color Painting Day" in Japan. It was established by the Japan Painting Contractors Association, which marked its 50th anniversary in 1998 (Heisei 10), to deepen public understanding of painting and coatings. The date comes from a wordplay that reads 11 as "ii" (good) and 16 as "iro" (color).

The Meaning Behind "Good Color"

Painting does more than make buildings, bridges and steel towers look good; it also protects materials from wind, rain and ultraviolet light. The wordplay in the date expresses the hope that people will take more interest in color.

• Established by: the Japan Painting Contractors Association, made up of painting contractors and others
• Established: 1998 (Heisei 10), the association's 50th anniversary
• Origin of the date: the wordplay "ii (11) iro (16)," meaning "good color"
• Purpose: to deepen understanding of painting and raise interest in color

Painting Has Two Jobs: Appearance and Protection

Painting the walls and roofs of buildings, or bridges and steel frames, serves two roles: shaping the look of the townscape and protecting materials from deterioration. No matter how solid a building is, its surface gradually wears down under rain and sunlight. Regular repainting is an important part of maintenance that keeps buildings in use for longer. November 16th is also home to several other "good color" anniversaries, making it a good day to think about color.

Tips for Marking This Day

• Pay attention to the colors of buildings and bridges on your commute
• Take a closer look at dirt or cracks on the outer walls of your home or office
• Chat about your favorite colors or colors that suit your workplace
• Learn about the work of people who paint and maintain buildings

A Day to Notice the Work That Protects a City's Colors

The townscapes we see every day are shaped by a great deal of painting work. November 16th is a day to look again at the colors around us and the role painting plays in keeping them.