A day for smiles

Today, and February 5th annually, is both Smile Day 笑顔の日 and Everyone Smiles Day みんなニッコリの日. All around; a day for smiles. Both anniversaries were established based on a playful reading of the date February 5th. "Smile Day" comes from the playful reading of 2‑5 → niko‑niko, the Japanese onomatopoeia for smiling. And "Everyone Smiles Day" comes from the wordplay 2‑5 → nikko‑ri, meaning “smile.”

"Smile Day" was created by the volunteer group Yūshi to promote kindness and positivity.  "Everyone Smiles Day" was created by eSep Inc., a Kyoto‑based company developing nano‑ceramic separation membrane technology to reflect the company’s philosophy: “People and the planet—everyone smiles.” 

The message of both is the same: smile! Various research publications have pointed to how a smile can boost mood, lower stress and even support immune function. Moreover, a smile helps strengthen social connections. Have you smiled at somebody today?