Shochū Mimai no Hi (Summer Greeting Card Day)

What Is Shochū Mimai no Hi?

June 15 is "Shochū Mimai no Hi" -- a day dedicated to reflecting on the meaning and cultural background of "shochū mimai," the Japanese custom of sending summer greeting cards to check on the well-being of friends, family, and acquaintances during the hottest months. Shochū mimai is one of Japan's unique seasonal greeting traditions, with a history that has been carried on for generations.

The Origins and History of Shochū Mimai

The custom of shochū mimai traces back to the pre-Edo period "ochūgen" tradition of gift-giving. During the hottest part of the year, people would send gifts or letters to check on the health and well-being of friends and relatives -- a custom that gradually spread among ordinary people too. With the spread of the postal system, sending shochū mimai by postcard became common practice.

When to Send Shochū Mimai

There's a roughly defined window for sending these summer greetings.

• Shochū mimai: Generally sent from "Shōsho" (around July 7, one of the 24 traditional solar terms) until the day before "Risshū" (the first day of autumn, around August 7).
• Zansho mimai: After Risshū has passed, the greeting changes to "zansho mimai" -- a card acknowledging the lingering summer heat.

The Meaning Behind Shochū Mimai

Shochū mimai is far more than a formality. It carries a genuine message of care -- something like "I hope you're doing well despite this heat" or "I hope you haven't fallen ill." Unlike New Year's cards, shochū mimai often include personal updates or expressions of gratitude.

Shochū Mimai and Japan's Sense of the Seasons

Japan has developed a rich culture of expressing the changing seasons through words and customs. Shochū mimai functions as a way of acknowledging the shared experience of Japan's brutal summer heat and checking in on one another. The use of summery motifs like goldfish, morning glories, and fireworks on these cards also reflects this distinctly Japanese seasonal sensibility.

Intellectual Ways to Enjoy Shochū Mimai no Hi

• Compare the roles and differences between shochū mimai and New Year's cards.
• Research how the shochū mimai custom has evolved from the Edo period to today.
• Reflect on the differences between letter-writing culture and digital communication.
• Consider the social role of Japan's unique tradition of seasonal greetings.

A Day to Reconnect with a Culture of Caring

Shochū Mimai no Hi, on June 15, is an opportunity to look beyond the formality of a letter and focus on the underlying culture of "thinking of others." Shochū mimai remains deeply connected to Japanese lifestyles and values, and its significance hasn't faded with time. It's a chance to reflect on this distinctly Japanese custom -- one that connects people through the changing seasons.