West Day (Nishi no Hi)

What is "West Day"?

February 4 is "West Day." The date comes from a simple, catchy wordplay: "2" is read as "ni" and "4" as "shi," together forming "ni-shi," which means "west." It is said that heading west on this day brings good luck, and that you will get along well with people who come from the west. The date also often coincides with "Risshun," the traditional first day of spring.

Where the word "nishi" comes from, and other trivia

The word "nishi" is said to derive from "inishi," meaning "the direction in which the sun departs." In the Okinawan language, west is "iri" — the direction where the sun sets ("enters") — which is why Iriomote Island (西表島) is read "Iriomote." In the Chinese five-element theory, west is linked with the color white and the White Tiger, and in sumo rankings the west side is considered slightly lower than the east at the same rank. In feng shui, yellow is often paired with the west.

A journey westward is a journey to find yourself

The phrase "heading west" has long carried a romantic connotation in Japanese — pursuing an ideal, seeking new wisdom. On West Day, why not visit a sightseeing spot located to the west, or explore a western town you've never been to? Heading somewhere in a different direction than usual can be a nice change of pace and a chance for new discoveries.

Rediscovering the culture of Western Japan

For people living in eastern Japan, western Japan (Kansai, Kyushu, Shikoku) is a fascinating region with its own food culture and history. On February 4, try ordering specialty foods from western Japan, or research the sightseeing spots of Kansai, Kyushu, and Shikoku. Exploring the dashi (broth) culture, the lively spirit of regional festivals, and the rich nature of the west is a way of rediscovering the depth of Japan itself.

Letting the setting sun carry away your worries

West is where the sun sets — marking both "the end of the day" and "preparation for renewal." As the sun slowly sinks on West Day, watch the sunset and let go of old worries and unwanted emotions. The sun disappearing below the western horizon is a beautiful, powerful ritual promising a fresh start tomorrow.

Ways to make the most of West Day

• Open the west-facing windows: Ventilate the western side of your home and let in fresh air.
• Look up "west" trivia: Chat about fun facts like the reading of Iriomote Island or east and west in sumo rankings.
• Enjoy western Japanese cuisine: Savor okonomiyaki, udon, Kyushu shochu, and other western specialties.
• Listen to music about "the west": Songs with a "heading west" theme can lift your spirits.
• Watch the sunset: Quietly enjoy the changing colors of the western sky to settle your mind.

The meaning behind the character for "west"

The old Chinese dictionary Shuowen Jiezi explains the kanji for "west" (西) as a bird perched on its nest, used for the direction because birds return to their nests when the sun sets in the west (another theory says it depicts a basket). With that origin in mind, West Day can also be a day to value the place you return to — your home or sense of belonging.

Tips for enjoying West Day

• Visit a shrine or temple located to the west of your home for an early-spring visit
• Watch the sun set in the west and think about your goals for the year
• Decorate the western side of your room with seasonal flowers or bright accents
• Search a map for place names or station names containing the character for "west," and make one your next travel destination

Watching the golden sunset

West Day is a day that makes you want to look at the golden hue of the sunset. Just as the setting sun glows brightly, believe that your efforts will one day bear fruit. On February 4, watch the evening glow in the western sky and let your hopes for the new season grow.