June 22nd is also crab day

Each day in Japan there are several different anniversaries or "day of" or "x day". Most dates have at least two anniversaries (or equivalent), but sometimes even have ten or more! Today, June 22nd, there are at least twelve. Don't worry, I won't introduce them all, just the most interesting ones! You will find a post about "Bowling Day" which is also celebrated on June 22nd annually. 

June 22nd was chosen as Crab day for two reasons. One is that June 22nd is the first day of Cancer in the horoscope. The other reason is a play is very clever, albeit convoluted. In Japanese crab is "Kani". KA is The 6th character in the katakana alphabet and NI is the 22nd character. In Japan the month is written first when you talk about dates. The 6th month is June. Therefore, June 22nd was chosen as the date. 

The date was certified and registered with the Japan Anniversary Association in 1990 by the famous crab restaurant Kani doraku in Osaka. The purpose is to promote the deliciousness of crab dishes. On this day, you can usually get special offers for crab at participating supermarkets and restaurants around the country. 

Will you eat crab today!?