There is even a day for scourers in Japan!

If you were ever in any doubt that Japan really does have a day for everything, let me introduce "scourer day". Yes, in Japan, there is a day dedicated to a scourer! Not a typo, they have a day that celebrates scrubbing pads that are used to clean heavy dirt on pots and pans and / or shoes! And it is today, July 2nd and every July 2nd annually. 

In Japanese a scourer is called a 'tawashi'. Japanese scourers are distinctive with their bristle like brush pads. Tawashis are traditionally made from the fibers of hemp palm. They have been used in Japanese homes for years. They are extremely durable, much more durable than the scourers we use in Europe. And although they look and feel bristly, they don't scratch surfaces.

The July 2nd anniversary was registered by Kamenoko Tawashi Nishio Shoten Co., Ltd., a company that manufactures the Kamenoko Tawashi, a well known product in Japan. The date was chosen because on July 2nd 1915 obtained the patent rights to the Kamenoko Tawashi. Have you a Kamenoko Tawashi in your home?