A once-in-a-millennium and a first for Japan's anniversaries

This year, for the first time ever, Japan has a "Commemorative Year" that is officially recognized and registered by the Japan Anniversary Association. As it is a one-year limited "Commemorative Year," it is listed under "Other Anniversaries" according to regulations. 

Moreover, the first ever "commemorative year" marks a once-in-a-millennium event! This year the number 026 appears will be in 3026. And the digits "026" can be read as "o (0) fu (2) ro (6) which means "bath." So they designated 2026 as the Year of the Bath 「お風呂の年」 (Ofuro no toshi).

The National Hot Spring Facilities Association in cooperation with many bath-related organizations nationwide, created the "2026 Year of the Bath Project" with the aim of getting "the year of the bath" registered as the first commemorative year. Upon their success, their aim now is to reinforce the meaning and beauty of Japan's unique bathing culture, both domestically and internationally. And to promote bathing as a form of relaxation and rejuvenation.