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Welcome to the 710th post, where we will delve into the intriguing significance behind the number 710.
Moreover, this number has a special connection with July 10th.
July is quite a celebratory month, brimming with holidays. We had Canada Day on July 1st, Independence Day beckons on July 4th, and Bastille Day awaits us on July 14th. Today, July 3rd, holds its own charm as it’s the full moon—a perfect time to indulge in Ima Iwai practices.
Curious about Ima Iwai? Check out this enlightening video:
Now, let’s unravel the mystique of July 10th.
Though not an official holiday, July 10th has a special place in the hearts of many in Japan.
In Japanese, the number 7 can be pronounced as ‘shichi’ or ‘nana,’ and 10 can be ‘ju’ or ‘tou.’
This leads to 710 being pronounced as ‘nana tou,’ which sounds just like ‘natto.’
And so, July 10th is joyously celebrated as Natto Day in Japan!
This tradition began in 1981 when the Kansai Natto Industry Cooperative designated this day to promote natto consumption.
Initially, this was a local commemoration in the Kansai region. However, in 1992, the National Natto Industry Cooperative Federation gave it a fresh lease of life, and it has since gained popularity as a beloved national observance.
Natto Day is marked with a plethora of events. For instance, Mito in Ibaraki Prefecture, renowned as the modern-day natto capital, hosts the Mito Natto Festival.
In Tokyo, an innovative store runs an ‘All You Can Pack Natto’ campaign, where for a mere 600 yen, participants can stuff as many natto packs as they wish into a bag.
Not to be left behind, a natto store in Yokote City, Akita Prefecture—reputed as natto’s birthplace—holds an enticing half-price sale.
This year, Natto Day falls on a Monday, which usually signifies a 36-hour fasting day for me. However, I will happily make an exception next week to relish some natto. This day holds an even deeper resonance for me this year, after all.