A Day to Organize A Loved One's Belongings in Japan

According to several anniversary-reference websites, September 19th is Organizing the Belongings of the Deceased Day 遺品整理の日 (Ihin Seiri no Hi). A day established by a company in the estate-clearing industry. However, the day does not currently appear on the public anniversary listings of the Japan Anniversary Association.

It is an interesting anniversary though that encourages people to organize a loved one's belongings promptly and thoughtfully. However, it is not a unique anniversary - there are a couple of other similar anniversaries in the year that encourage people to organize the estate of family members.

But this one was specifically chosen to coincide with the autumn equinox season and associated ancestral remembrance. The aim is not only to honour ancestors and the deceased, but also to encourage families to sort and care for a loved one's possessions as a step towards moving forward after a loss.

Reportedly, the date of the anniversary was chosen as a play on the word "Quick", which thanks to Japanese 'goroawase' is represented by the numbers 919 - in other words, September 19th.