Necktie day

October 1st is a day with many anniversaries. One is that of the necktie. October 1st annually is Necktie Day. It was established in 1971 by the Japan Necktie Association. For one week from this day, PR activities are carried out nationwide as "Neck/Tie Week".

The date for the anniversary was chosen as on this day in 1884, Koyama Umekichi of Tokyo began manufacturing neckties for the first time in Japan. Koyama was a hat merchant, but he bought a tie at a second-hand clothing market and, by imitating others, created the first domestically produced bow tie. This tie was made by modifying the fabric of an obi (sash).

It is one of two "Neck/Tie Days" annually in Japan. The other is on February 14th, which is also Valentines Day. The idea is to promote presenting neckties instead of chocolates as presents to your Valentine. Neck/Ties are still very common in the workplace from autumn through spring. However, many companies do not expect workers to wear ties in summer. Ties are also used for some school uniforms, but they are not as common as in my home country. Do you wear a tie to work? Will you give a gift of a tie on necktie day!?