A day for buttons

Today, and November 22nd annually, is Button Day. A day after my own heart. When I was a child I used to collect buttons! Before cameras on phones were a thing, so I don't have a photo of my button collection easily accessible online. I love that in Japan great attention is given to buttons, particularly in things like school uniforms. For example, my senior high school student's school blazer are unique to his school and have the school's initials on them.

The application for registration of this anniversary, "Button Day", was made by the Japan Button Association. They are an organization for clothing buttons that aim to develop the button industry. The date of the anniversary comes from an historic event. On this day in 1870, a European-style was adopted for the uniform of the Japan Navy. The buttons, however, were very Japanese - gold cherry blossom buttons. 

"Button Day" reminds us of the importance of small things that are often overlooked. If you have any missing buttons on clothes, today might be a good day to replace them! You can find some really unique buttons in specialty stores, if you want to spruce up an old item of clothing with some fun buttons.