Blanket Day

What Is Blanket Day?

November 20th is "Blanket Day" in Japan. It was established in 2017 by the Japan Blanket Industrial Association, a group of blanket manufacturers headquartered in Izumiotsu, Osaka, and certified by the Japan Anniversary Association. November was chosen because the "Izumiotsu Blanket Festival" has long been held that month in Izumiotsu, Japan's main blanket-producing area, and the 20th because blankets were first produced in Japan in Meiji 20 (1887).

Born on the 130th Anniversary of Japanese Blankets

2017 marked 130 years since blankets were first made in Japan. The day was created to celebrate that milestone and to promote blankets, which bring warmth to families and their daily lives.

• Established by: the Japan Blanket Industrial Association, in 2017
• Why November: the Izumiotsu Blanket Festival has long been held every November in Izumiotsu, Osaka
• Why the 20th: blankets were first produced in Japan in Meiji 20 (1887)
• Main production area: more than 90% of Japanese-made blankets are produced in and around Izumiotsu
• Campaign: the association encourages people to "give a blanket to someone special" and uses the song "Blanket Day," aired on NHK's "Minna no Uta," as its campaign song

The Japanese Word "Ketto" Comes from "Blanket"

A blanket is bedding made by thickly weaving materials such as wool and then raising the nap. In Japanese it is called "mofu," but it is also known as "buranketto" or simply "ketto." There are many types depending on material and construction, such as wool, acrylic, cotton, silk, mayer, and tufted blankets, as well as electric blankets with built-in heating wires.

Tips for Marking This Day

• Take your blankets out of storage and start preparing for winter
• Give a blanket or lap blanket to family or someone special
• Keep a lap blanket at the office to stay warm
• Check the material labels on your blankets to learn the differences

A Winter Companion That Brings Warmth

November, when mornings and evenings grow colder, is the season when a warm blanket feels especially welcome. November 20th is a day to think about the history and home of Japanese blankets and to begin getting cozy for winter.