Tennis Day: A Sports Commemoration on September 23rd

Today, and September 23rd annually, is Tennis Day テニスの日 in Japan. It is a sports-industry commemorative day established in 1998 by Japanese tennis organizations. While widely recognized within the tennis community, it does not currently appear on the Japan Anniversary Association's registered commemorative day list.

The date was chosen because late September offers some of the most comfortable weather for outdoor play across the country, making it an ideal time to encourage people to pick up a racket and enjoy the sport. The organisers considered several possible dates, including one based on the "ten-ni-su" wordplay of October 24. In the end, they selected September 23 because it of the Autumnal Equinox holiday.

Rather than focusing only on competitive players, Tennis Day was created to promote tennis as a lifelong sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Events held around the country often include beginner lessons, trial sessions, rallies, and opportunities for families to experience the game together.

Photo: A tennis court at a hotel in Chiba