Summer Christmas in Japan

Today is "Summer Christmas" in Japan. It was established in 1974 by legendary radio host Yoshio Hayashi, in response to listener requests for August 25th to be a "Summer Christmas". 

The day was born when announcer Hayashi Yoshio (1943-2002), a personality on TBS Radio's late-night program "Pack-in Music," called for listeners to hold a get-together. The idea was to "create an event like Christmas in the summer." A small event was held on this day in a park near TBS. August 25th is also the birthday of the announcer!

The anniversary never real caught on. No surprise really as its so nonsensical. I love Christmas, but I've no desire to celebrate it twice a year. Especially not in the heat of summer.