Fukui's Hometown Day

Today, and February 7th annually, is Furusato no hi, ふるさとの日 Hometown Day, for Fukui Prefecture. In other words, Fukui Prefecture Day. It commemorates the establishment of Fukui Prefecture in 1881. The prefecture was formed when the regions of Echizen and Wakasa were separated from Ishikawa and Shiga to form a single prefecture.

The hometown anniversary was created in 1982 through a prefectural ordinance. The day encourages residents to deepen their appreciation for their "furusato" hometown. And to foster pride in local, history, culture and natural beauty. There are events on in the prefecture on the day, but it is not a public holiday.  Sometimes the prefectural museums and cultural facilities offer free or reduced admission around February 7th in honor of the day.

The prefecture is known for symbols that reflect its characters: the pine tree as its official tree, the daffodil as its flower, the thrush as its bird, and the celebrated Echizen crab as its fish. Fukui also embraces its playful dinosaur‑themed mascot, Juratic, a nod to the region’s rich fossil discoveries. Dinosaurs is what I personally most associate with Fukui!