146 years of light bulbs

On this day, October 21st, 1879, Thomas Edison completed the first ever practical incandescent light bulb. In honor of Edison's feat, the Japan Lighting Industries Association, the Japan Electrical Association, and the Illuminating Society of Japan, which are lighting-related organizations, made October 21st annually "Light Day", "Akari no Hi" 「あかりの日」 in Japanese. 

Before October 21st 1879, prototypes of incandescent light bulbs were made in various countries, but Edison's light bulbs were ground-breaking in that they could be lit for a long time. Thus, they could be commercialized successfully. Did you know, that in order to make the light bulb more stable, Edison used (Hachiman) bamboo from Kyoto, Japan, to manufacture bamboo filament bulbs?

This day is an anniversary to reaffirm the appreciation of light and to think about the importance of lighting. Also, it is a day to consider what you can do to play your part in energy conservation. For example, switching to LED lighting to help save energy.