A well-placed commemoration; Homework Day

Today, and August 31st annually, is Homework Day 宿題の日 (Shukudai no Hi) in Japan. Also called the much nicer name of A day to discover the joy of learning 学べる喜びにきづく日. It is a well-placed commemoration as on this day children around Japan, who start 2nd term on September 1st, often work to finish up their summer homework.

Indeed, the date was chosen exactly because it marks the end of summer school holidays in Japan. A time when many rush to finish their homework. I know in my house there was some last-minute homework done today! By turning that familiar experience into a symbolic day, the organizers hope people will rediscover the value of education and reflect on the opportunities it provides. 

The anniversary is actually no longer registered with the Japan Anniversary Association, simply because it expired and they didn't re-register it, but the message of the day endures. Interestingly, the anniversary was originally registered by a UK based charity "A World At School" as part of its global #UpForSchool campaign. The initiative highlighted the fact that millions of children are still unable to attend school and they were working to change that.