Sheep Day (Hitsuji no Hi)

What is Sheep Day?

June 6th is "Sheep Day" (Hitsuji no Hi) every year. It was established by Mary Chocolate Co., Ltd., headquartered in Ōta Ward, Tokyo, and was registered with the Japan Anniversary Association (some sources say it was established jointly in 2010 with the craft store chain Yuzawaya, also headquartered in Ōta Ward; the day no longer appears in the association's current list for June 6). A sheep's curled horn looks like the number "6," and since sheep have one horn on each side, June 6th -- with its two 6s -- was chosen. The company has long used "Mary-chan," a sheep girl, as the character on its products, and inspired by the peaceful, soothing image of sheep, it hopes the day will spread heartwarming communication through chocolates and baked sweets.

The Long History of People and Sheep

Sheep are among the oldest animals domesticated by humans.

• About 10,000 years together: Sheep are thought to have been domesticated in West Asia roughly 10,000 years ago. As livestock providing meat, milk, wool, and hides, they have long supported human life.
• Wool and national wealth: Wool was a key industry in medieval England. The Lord Speaker of the House of Lords still sits on the "Woolsack," a wool-stuffed cushion, said to be a reminder of the era when wool symbolized the nation's wealth.

Japan and Sheep

In Japan, sheep farming spread in earnest only from the Meiji era onward. Sheep were raised in various regions with the aim of producing wool domestically, and in places such as Hokkaido a culture of eating mutton took root. Local dishes such as "romen" from the Ina area of Nagano and Hokkaido's "Genghis Khan" grilled mutton are tied to this history. Sheep are also familiar as the zodiac animal "hitsuji" in the Chinese zodiac.

Interesting Facts About Sheep

• They remember faces: A British study reported that sheep can distinguish the faces of around 50 other sheep and remember them for nearly two years.
• Horizontal pupils: Sheep have horizontally elongated pupils, which are thought to help them scan their surroundings widely while grazing and spot predators early.
• Dolly the sheep: In 1996, Dolly the sheep was born in Britain as the world's first mammal cloned from an adult somatic cell, causing a worldwide sensation.
• Why we "count sheep": Counting sheep to fall asleep is a custom that came from the English-speaking world, and one theory is that it's because "sheep" and "sleep" sound similar.
• Lanolin from wool: Lanolin, refined from the grease in sheep's wool, is used as a moisturizing ingredient in ointments and cosmetics.
• Weed-clearing helpers: Sheep are used to graze down grass at parks and solar power facilities in various places.

Ideas for Enjoying Sheep Day

• Use sheep-themed sweets or goods as a small way to connect with family or coworkers.
• Visit a farm or petting facility to see real sheep.
• Look up how to care for wool clothing and bedding so you can use them longer.
• Try dishes made with mutton or lamb, such as Genghis Khan or romen.

Have a Gentle Day, Soft as a Sheep

June 6th is a charming anniversary that likens its two 6s to a sheep's horns. Sheep are also familiar animals that have supported human life for some 10,000 years. Today, why not share some sheep-themed sweets and enjoy a relaxed chat with the people around you?