Breathing Day (Kokyū no Hi) — a wordplay date where "ko (5)" and "kyū (9)" spell out "kokyū," meaning "breathing"

What Is Breathing Day?

May 9th is "Breathing Day" in Japan. The date comes from a wordplay on the numbers 5 and 9 — "ko (5)" and "kyū (9)" together sound like "kokyū," the Japanese word for "breathing." The day was established by the NPO Japan Respiratory Disability Information Center to raise awareness of the importance of breathing and understanding of respiratory diseases.

The Background of Breathing Day

Breathing is fundamental to life, yet we rarely think about it. Breathing Day was created to draw attention to respiratory health and serve as an opportunity to learn about lung disease and respiratory rehabilitation. In recent years, interest in respiratory health has grown due to rising rates of allergic conditions and lifestyle changes.

The Role and Importance of Breathing

• Taking in oxygen: Supplies the oxygen your body's cells need to function.
• Expelling carbon dioxide: Removes waste carbon dioxide produced by the body.
• Regulating the autonomic nervous system: Deep breathing has a relaxing effect and helps balance mind and body.
• Maintaining immune function: The lungs are an organ in direct contact with the outside world and play a key role in overall health.

Fun Facts About Breathing

• The average person breathes around 20,000 times a day.
• Shallow breathing is often caused by stress or poor posture.
• Breathing through the nose filters air better than breathing through the mouth and is gentler on the body.
• Since the lungs can't be moved by will alone, practicing good breathing techniques matters.

How to Spend Breathing Day

• Try focusing on deep breaths or abdominal breathing.
• Do some light exercise or stretching to regulate your breathing.
• Check your posture and work on a body that breathes more easily.
• Learn more about respiratory health.

May 9th: A Day to Reconnect with Your Breath

Breathing Day is a chance to pay attention to something we usually take for granted — our breath — and reflect on our overall health. Slow, deep breathing can calm the mind and help regulate the body. On May 9th, take a moment to appreciate the importance of breathing and enjoy some healthy downtime.