Belt Day

What Is Belt Day?

December 10th is "Belt Day" in Japan. It was established by the Japan Dress Belt Industry Federation, made up of men's belt manufacturers and buckle makers, and was certified by the Japan Anniversary Association in 2018. Its purpose is to highlight the belt as practical, fashionable, and worth giving as a present.

Lapis Lazuli in the Shosoin, and "Jingle Bells"

What makes this anniversary interesting is that the date is arrived at in two separate steps.

• Why December: Japan's oldest surviving belt, held in the Shosoin repository in Nara, is decorated with lapis lazuli, December's birthstone
• Why the 10th: combine the "bell" of the Christmas song "Jingle Bells," heard everywhere in December, with "to" for the 10th, and you get "beruto" -- belt
• Established by: the Japan Dress Belt Industry Federation, based in Asakusa, Taito Ward, Tokyo
• Certification: registered with the Japan Anniversary Association in 2018

There Is Another Belt Day: Father's Day

The federation has long run campaigns -- posters, television commercials, and above all its "Father's Day equals Belt Day" push. It has also worked to standardize quality labeling for men's belts across the industry and has compiled labeling rules. Trend research and market surveys are conducted through the federation as well.

Tips for Marking This Day

• Check the hole you use and the condition of the leather on your belt
• Re-match your belt and shoe colors with your suits
• Consider a belt as a gift
• Look up what else is kept in the Shosoin repository

Worn Daily, and Easily Overlooked

A belt is used every single day, yet it is the accessory people forget to replace. December 10th is a day to give yours a look.