Black Day (Kuro no Hi)

What Is Black Day?

September 6th is "Black Day" (Kuro no Hi). It comes from a wordplay reading: 9 ("ku") and 6 ("ro") combine to sound like "kuro," the Japanese word for "black." The day was established by the Kyoto Black-Dyeing Industrial Cooperative to promote the traditional craft of black dyeing and the beauty of the color black.

Why September 6th Is "Black Day"

The day is said to have been set in 1988 and first observed in 1989, the cooperative's 40th anniversary year (some sources say it was established in 1989 and observed from the following year). Its aim is to promote black dyeing as a traditional craft and to encourage the use of black crested kimono and formal black tomesode. Black dyeing developed primarily in Kyoto and has been passed down as an essential technique for religious robes, mourning attire, and formal wear.

• The wordplay: 9 ("ku") + 6 ("ro") = "kuro" (black).
• Preserving traditional craftsmanship: Established to spread awareness of Kyoto's black-dyeing culture.
• The symbolism of black: A color carrying deep meaning in Japanese culture—dignity, gravitas, and calm.

The History and Culture of Black Dyeing

Black dyeing has long been deeply connected to Japanese clothing culture.

• A history dating back to the Heian period: Black was treated as a noble color, used in ceremonial garments and to denote court rank.
• Growth in the Edo period: Demand for black-dyed crested kimono and mourning wear increased.
• Kyoto's black dyeing: "Kyo Kuro-Montsuki Zome" is highly regarded as a traditional craft.

The Appeal of the Color Black

Black is far from a simple "dark color"—depending on the material, it can show a remarkable range of depth and sheen.

• Differences in sheen: Black appears differently depending on the material—silk, cotton, synthetic fibers, and more.
• Dyeing technique: Achieving an even, deep black requires highly skilled techniques.
• Versatility in fashion: Black is an all-purpose color used everywhere from formal wear to casual outfits.

Interesting Facts About Black Day

• The formality of crested black kimono: Considered the most formal type of Japanese ceremonial dress.
• Visual impression: Black makes an outfit look sharp and composed, which is why it is valued for formal and business settings.
• The difficulty of black dyeing: Achieving a true black requires precise control of dye concentration and temperature, demanding considerable skill.
• Black for mourning and for celebration: Black is a mourning color both in the West and in Japan, but in Japan black crested kimono and black tomesode are also worn as formal attire for happy occasions.
• Another "Black Day": The Japan Anniversary Association also lists a "Black Day" established by Okuchi Shuzo, a shochu maker in Isa, Kagoshima, to mark 30 years of its "Kuro Isa Nishiki" sweet potato shochu.

Tips for Enjoying Black Day

• Wear black clothing or accessories and rediscover the appeal of the color.
• Learn about the traditional craft and craftsmanship behind black dyeing.
• Enjoy interior design or fashion with a black theme.
• Check and care for any black formal wear you have at home, such as crested kimono or mourning clothes.

A Deep Black Carries Quiet Elegance and Dignity

September 6th, "Black Day," is a day to reflect on the depth of the color black and the beauty of Japan's traditional craftsmanship. Pay a little extra attention to the black around you in everyday life, and you may discover a new kind of charm.