Civil Engineering Day

Yes, there is a day for almost everything in Japan! Today, and November 18th annually, is Civil Engineering Day 土木の日. The date of November 18th was chosen, because the Japanese word for engineering 土木 is made up of ones 一, ten 十 and eight 八. The word 土 can be broken down into an one and a ten, thus 11, and the kanji 木 can be broken down into one, ten and eight, thus 18.

Moreover, November 18th is the date when the roots of the Japan Society of Civil Engineers, which eventually became the Japan Society of Engineers, began. The Japan Society of Engineers were established officially in 1987 with the support of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. But the original society dates back to 1879.

Events such as site tours, lectures, and exhibitions for the general public are held around this day annually. The purpose is to deepen awareness and understanding of civil engineering technology and business. The "Civil Engineering Day" logo was formulated to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the anniversary in 2017.