Sobriety Declaration Day
OtherWhat Is Sobriety Declaration Day?
November 10 is "Danshu Sengen no Hi," or Sobriety Declaration Day, in Japan. It was established by the Zen Nihon Danshu Renmei (Zendanren), a national federation of sobriety groups. It commemorates the founding convention of the association, held in Kochi on November 10, 1963.
Origin of the Date and a Play on Words
The association explains its choice of November 10 as follows.
- The day of the founding convention: The association chose the same month and day as its founding convention, held on November 10, 1963.
- A Japanese play on words: The association also links the date to a Japanese pun on the words "November" and "10," expressing the idea of stopping drinking.
- Carrying on a passion: The day is also meant to carry on the passion of the members who founded the association.
Nationwide Campaign
Since its founding, the association has aimed to serve the public, including by calling on society to prevent the social harm caused by alcohol. As part of this, since 2008 sobriety groups across Japan have held a nationwide campaign on this day under the theme of eliminating drunk driving. In fiscal 2026, street campaigns are planned again under the main themes of eliminating drunk driving and aiming for recovery from alcohol dependence.
Tips for Marking This Day
- Take a look back at how much and how often you drink
- When you have a drinking party planned, decide in advance how you will get home
- Set aside alcohol-free days during the week
- Know that support services are available if someone around you is struggling with alcohol
A Day to Rethink Our Relationship with Alcohol
Sobriety Declaration Day on November 10 is a chance to think about eliminating drunk driving and recovering from alcohol dependence. Why not take a moment to rethink how you and the people around you drink?