May 9, 2026
Honoring the quiet importance of the blackboard
Today, and May 9th annually, is Blackboard Day 黒板の日 (Kokuban no Hi) in Japan. The anniversary was established by the National Federation of Blackboard manufacturers to honor the long history and quiet importance of the blackboard in both Japanese education and communication as a whole. The organization themselves are celebrating 75 years in existence this year.
May 9th was chosen as the anniversary for "Blackboard Day" because 5/9 can be read as "ko (5) ku (9)" meaning "black". Adding a "ban" creates "kokuban", the Japanese for "Blackboard". I have always found it interesting that most "blackboards" I have seen in Japan are actually green! I presume at one time they were actually black. They were first imported from the United States around May 1872 - another reason the anniversary is in May.
The purpose of the anniversary is to promote the usefulness of blackboards. They are tools that have supported generations of students and teachers. I can't speak to their use in other countries, but I can tell you they are still very much in use in schools around Japan today.
Former nickname was "Saitama". Changed it to save confusion on place review posts! Irish, 20+ years in Japan! I also write on my personal website: insaitama.com
2 Comments
TonetoEdo
on May 9
At the school I teach in, there is a free hallway blackboard. Lots of fun! Students and teachers leave cryptic, funny, and pithy messages every day.
BigfamJapan
on May 9
@TonetoEdo that's a great idea. I always had a blackboard in the house for the kids. When we were clearing out things they have outgrown, my husband wanted to also pass the blackboard on, but I insisted on keeping it and, sure enough, the kids still write / draw on it sometimes!