Crossword Puzzle Day

What Is Crossword Puzzle Day?

December 21 is "Crossword Puzzle Day." It commemorates December 21, 1913, when the American newspaper the New York World published a crossword puzzle in its Sunday entertainment section. The puzzle was created by English-born editor Arthur Wynne and is said to be the first crossword. It was originally called a "word-cross" and later renamed "crossword." After a book collecting the newspaper puzzles was published in 1924, crosswords spread around the world.

How Crosswords Work, and Their Appeal

A crossword puzzle involves filling in a grid of squares, both vertically and horizontally, based on a set of clues. Because it draws on knowledge, vocabulary, and reasoning all at once, it's an enjoyable way to give your mind a workout.

What Crosswords Offer

• A mental workout: Crosswords use words, memory, and reasoning at the same time. Researchers have studied their relationship with cognitive function, but a preventive effect has not been clearly established
• Expanding vocabulary and knowledge: Every clue is a chance to encounter new words and facts
• Focus and patience: The process of setting aside difficult clues and returning to complete the whole puzzle helps build patience
• A sense of accomplishment: Filling in the very last square is deeply satisfying

Crossword Culture in Japan

• Puzzle magazines: Bookstores and convenience stores carry puzzle magazines featuring crosswords
• Smartphone apps: Many free and paid crossword apps are available, perfect for filling spare moments
• Related puzzle culture: Sudoku, word searches, riddles, and other puzzle formats have also developed a rich following