Fishing Day (Tsuro no Hi)

What Is Fishing Day?

The 26th of every month is "Tsuro no Hi," or Fishing Day, in Japan. It was established by Kameya Tsurigu Co., Ltd., a wholesale fishing-tackle company headquartered in Hiroshima with stores across Japan. The date is a numerical pun: 26 can be read "tsu (2) ro (6)," echoing "tsuro," a playful way of saying "let's fish."

A Wish to Enjoy Fishing All Year Round

Fishing is enjoyed alone or with friends, by people of every age and gender. The day falls on the 26th of every month rather than once a year precisely because the company wanted people to enjoy fishing in every season.

• Established by: Kameya Tsurigu Co., Ltd., a fishing-tackle wholesaler based in Hiroshima
• Origin of the date: the pun reading 26 as "tsu (2) ro (6)"
• Why monthly: so that people can enjoy fishing throughout the year
• Purpose: to spread the pleasure of fishing as contact with nature, and to support anglers

December's Fishing Day Is Also a Gear Check

The 26th at year's end is a natural moment to look back on a year of fishing. Winter waters are cold and footing is slippery. Checking your life jacket, cold-weather gear and lights on this day makes the first trips of the new year safer.

Tips for Marking This Day

• Stop by a tackle shop and look at rigs suited to the season
• Ask a colleague or friend who fishes about their best catch of the year
• Inspect safety gear such as life jackets and warm clothing
• Look up the rules and opening days of a nearby fishing park or pier

A Pun Can Be a Doorway to a Hobby

The light wordplay of "tsuro" is a device to make even non-anglers remember the day exists. The 26th of each month is a good time to plan a trip to the water, or simply to listen to the fishing stories of someone close to you.