Fumizuki Letter-Writing Day (Fumizuki Fumi no Hi)

What Is Fumizuki Fumi no Hi?

July 23rd is "Fumizuki Fumi no Hi" (Letter-Writing Day for the Letter-Writing Month). The 23rd of every month is generally observed as "Fumi no Hi" (Letter Day), but since July is traditionally called "Fumizuki" (literally, "the month of letters"), July 23rd in particular is promoted as "Fumizuki Fumi no Hi". "Fumi no Hi" was established in 1979 by the then Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications.

Why July 23rd Is "Fumizuki Fumi no Hi"

The 23rd of each month is "Fumi no Hi" based on a wordplay: "fu" sounds like the number 2, and "mi" sounds like the number 3 (2-3 = "fu-mi" = letter). Additionally, July is traditionally called "Fumizuki" in the old lunar calendar, deeply tied to the culture of writing and sending letters, making July 23rd a particularly special "Fumi no Hi".

• Established in 1979: Aimed at passing on written culture through the joy of writing and receiving letters, and at promoting postal services. It expanded nationwide a campaign that had been run regionally since fiscal 1975.
• The Fumizuki connection: July = Fumizuki → the month most associated with letters.
• An opportunity to send a letter: Recommended as a day for sharing feelings you don't normally say out loud.

How to Enjoy Fumizuki Fumi no Hi

This day is an opportunity to remember the joy of writing letters and the warmth of sending words to others.

• Write a letter: Even a short message to family, friends, or someone you're grateful to is fine.
• Look for commemorative stamps: "Fumi no Hi" stamps are issued every year on July 23rd.
• Treat yourself to new stationery: Choosing letter paper, envelopes, or a fountain pen is part of the fun.
• Learn about letter culture: Explore the history of the postal system and washi paper traditions.

Trivia About Fumizuki Fumi no Hi

• The origin of "Fumizuki": One theory says it comes from "Fumihiraki-zuki" (文披月), the month when poems and writings were laid open for the Tanabata star festival.
• "Tegami" in other languages: In Chinese, the same characters (手纸) mean toilet paper; a letter in Chinese is "信."
• The history of the postal system: Japan's modern postal service was founded in 1871 by Maejima Hisoka.
• A revival of handwriting culture: Even in the digital age, the warmth of handwritten words is being rediscovered and appreciated.

Writing Words "By Hand" Conveys Feelings on a Deeper Level

July 23rd, "Fumizuki Fumi no Hi," is a day to remember the joy of writing letters. In an age dominated by email and social media, handwritten words carry a special power. Try sending even just a few words to someone important to you.