A day for wit and riddles!

Today, and January 9th annually, is Wit & Riddle Day, also known as Quiz Day. In Japanese it is known as Tonchi Day, a celebration inspired by the legendary quick‑witted monk Ikkyū‑san. The date comes from a playful word association: 1 (ichi) + 9 (kyū) = Ikkyū, making it the perfect day to honor clever thinking and sharp humor.

The word tonchi refers to clever thinking, quick wit, and the ability to solve problems with insight and humor. Ikkyū’s legendary tales — like the famous “Don’t cross this bridge” riddle — continue to delight generations with their playful logic and philosophical depth.

Tonchi Day encourages people of all ages to enjoy the joy of thinking outside the box. Whether through riddles, brain teasers, or quiz games, the day celebrates the fun of mental flexibility and the value of creative problem-solving. Some schools even mark the occasion with puzzle challenges or quiz events on this day.

The feature photo is of a game show buzzer, which you can buy in 100 yen stores in Japan!