Harp Day: Honoring Ireland's Beloved National Instrument and Emblem

Harp Day ハープの日, is on August 2nd every year in Japan. It is a commemorative day established by the Japan Harp Association, an organization based in Tokyo’s Shinagawa Ward that brings together professional harpists and devoted harp lovers. The date comes from a playful reading of the numbers: Haa（8) pu（2), a simple bit of Japanese wordplay that gives the day its charm.

The Japan Harp Association supports the instrument through international festivals, competitions, debut concerts, and performances by renowned harpists from around the world, strengthening both cultural exchange and the harp’s presence in Japan.

The harp comes from my home country, Ireland, where it is cherished as a national symbol. You’ll find it everywhere; on official Government materials, on our passports, on currency, and even gracing the side of a pint of Guinness. Seeing Japan dedicate a commemorative day to this graceful instrument feels unexpectedly touching. I’m genuinely delighted that the harp has an anniversary day of its own, here in Japan.