A day for "wa" harmony

October 1st is a day of several special occasions and many anniversaries. Among them "harmony day", as in "wa" 和, a kanji and symbol often used to represent the country of Japan. The anniversary of "wa" harmony day was established by the Associates of the Earth  (AOE), and certified and registered by the Japan Anniversary Association in 2017. The purpose of this day is to re-examine Japanese culture and traditions and spread the "spirit of harmony"—harmony, gratitude, mutual help, and compromise.

The date, October 1st can be written "101". It represents the union of people (1) and people (1) through harmony (represented by the circle of zero = 0), and it also represents the first day of Kannazuki, the old Japanese name for October. Kannazuki is a month in which gods gather in Izumo (Shimane prefecture) to discuss peace. It is a day when many people pray to achieve reconciliation and to pray for each other's happiness. 

Associates of the Earth believe that with mutual understanding and cooperation among people around the world, the future of humanity and the planet will move in a brighter direction. Through various activities, the Association aims to deepen understanding of global environmental issues while also fostering the discovery of truly happy lives and fulfilling human beings. "Wa Day" is a day to awaken a heart of compassion and gratitude that is often forgotten in everyday life. It is also an opportunity to foster peace and harmony in human relationships. Moreover, it is a day to rediscover the traditional spirit of Japan and pass it on to the next generation.