Why Japan has a "Crying Day"

Today, and July 9th annually, is Crying Day 泣く日 (Naku no Hi) in Japan. It is one of the most random anniversaries I've come across, but there are definitely even stranger ones in a given year!

But "Crying Day" gets even more random - the anniversary was created by a Japanese group called the "All America Tear Association"! Apparently, that is a nod to a familiar movie promotion tagline in Japan "America cried". 

The "All America Tear Association" created the anniversary to encourage people to reflect on the emotional richness expressed through tears. Whether tears of sadness, joy, pain or overwhelming relief. 

They chose July 9th, 7/9, as the date of the anniversary as it can be read as "Na (7) Ku (9)", which is the Japanese for "to cry". Whether quiet sobbing or full-throated wailing, "Crying Day" invites you to shed a tear for your emotional well-being!