Telegram day

Today, and November 5th annually, is "Telegram Day". It comes from how Japan write the date. In Japan they put the month first, so November 5th is often written; 11/5. The telephone number "115" is what is used to order a telegram, hence November 5th was chosen as the date for the anniversary. 

A telegram is a message sent by telegraph and then delivered in written or printed form. It allows for faster communication than postal mail. Before telephones became widespread, telegrams were used as a means of emergency communication, such as informing someone of the critical condition of a relative. However, with the spread of mobile phones and email, telegrams are less commonly used for emergency communication.

In fact in many countries they are obsolete or limited to just international telegrams and not available domestically. However, much like the fax machine, despite many other advanced countries retiring telegraphy, Japan still uses it. Not as much as it once did, but it is still used today. The main use in Japan in modern day is for sending congratulatory or condolence telegrams at weddings, funerals, and other ceremonies.

In the photo below; two telegrams my husband I received at my wedding in Japan. Have you ever received a telegram in Japan?