Moving Day

What Is Moving Day?

Every October 13th is "Moving Day" (引越しの日, Hikkoshi no Hi) in Japan. The date commemorates the day Emperor Meiji moved from the Kyoto Imperial Palace into Edo Castle (today's Imperial Palace in Tokyo) on the 13th day of the 10th month of Meiji 1 (November 26, 1868, in the Gregorian calendar) — an imperial "move" regarded as the beginning of modern moving in Japan, which also marked the shift of the capital from Kyoto to Tokyo. The day was designated in 1989 by the Kanto block of the Moving Specialists' Cooperative Federation (引越専門協同組合連合会, now the National Federation of Moving Specialists' Cooperatives, 全国引越専門協同組合連合会) to mark its 15th anniversary and to promote awareness of professional moving services. Japan has developed a highly specialized and service-oriented moving industry, with dedicated moving companies offering white-glove service tailored to Japanese residential needs.

The Japanese Moving Industry

Japan's moving industry (引越し業, hikkoshi-gyō) is notable for its extraordinary level of service and professional specialization. Major Japanese moving companies — Yamato Transport (ヤマト運輸), Sagawa Express (佐川急便), Art Corporation (アート引越センター), and others — offer comprehensive packing, transport, unpacking, and cleaning services, with crews trained in the careful handling of Japan's distinctive mix of furniture styles (traditional Japanese, Western, and hybrid). The elaborate packaging and protection protocols developed by Japanese movers are internationally recognized for their thoroughness.

Moving Seasons in Japan

Japan's moving industry experiences extreme seasonal peaks — particularly in March and April, when corporate job transfers (転勤, tenkin), school transitions, and new-employee relocations create enormous demand. The March-April moving rush is so intense that companies book up months in advance, and prices spike significantly compared to off-peak periods. Japan's corporate culture of regular employee transfers between branch offices has been a major driver of moving demand throughout the postwar period.

Moving Etiquette in Japan

Moving into a new neighborhood in Japan traditionally involves visiting neighbors to introduce oneself and offer a small gift (引越し挨拶, hikkoshi aisatsu) — typically a package of sweets, detergent, or other practical goods. This ritual introduction is considered an important step in establishing good neighborly relations and reflects Japan's cultural emphasis on maintaining community harmony.

Fun Facts

• Small-space expertise: Japanese movers have developed exceptional expertise in navigating the challenges of small Japanese urban apartments — narrow stairways, small elevators, and precision placement of furniture in tight spaces are standard requirements.
• Crane lifts: For large items in buildings without adequate elevator or stair access, Japanese moving companies routinely use exterior cranes to lift furniture through windows — a specialized service that illustrates the creative problem-solving required by Japan's dense urban housing stock.