Why August 8th has the most official anniversaries in Japan

August is approaching and with it comes the single day of the year that has the most official anniversaries, observations and commemorations. August 8th has a whopping seventy-seven certified anniversaries. 

There are three main reasons for this, from what I can tell. The first is that the number 8 is considered auspicious. The kanji for 8 八 widens at the bottom which is said to signify good fortune, growth and prosperity. Doubling it - 8/8 - amplifies the meaning and the fortune! Another reason is that when you turn the digit 8 on its side, it becomes the symbol for infinity. It also looks like two circles.  Thirdly, 8/8 is easy to remember - visually symmetric and rhythmically catchy.  These three reasons combined make the date easy to remember and thus promote.

In addition, there are many objects and words that relate to the shape of or the pronunciations for '8'. And given that it is summer, and the season of Obon as well as summer school holidays, it is ideal timing for memorable commemorations. Put simply: few other dates carry as much punch, symbolic weight or cultural momentum as August 8th.