10th October is one of the Japan's national holidays, and is "Taiiku no Hi(Physical Fitness Day)". It was created as a commemoration of the opening day of the Tokyo Olympics which were held in 1964. The covernement recommends that we enjoy sports on this day. Moreover, this day is "Eyes' Health Day". Can you guess why ? Because 10.10 looks like two eyes and two eyeblows.

Then can you guess what days the following days are ?

1. March 3 (3.3)
2. September 4 (9.4)
3. May 30 (5.30)

Do you know how to count the numbers in Japanese ? Ichi, ni, san, shi, go, roku, shichi, hachi, ku, juu(1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10). and old counting way; hii, fuu, mii, yoo (1,2,3,4). This is the hint.

Answers.

1. 3.3 can be read "mi-mi", it means ears, and 3 3 looks like ears, so it is "Mimi no hi(Day for Ears)"
2. 9.4 can be read "ku-shi". It means a comb, so it is "Kushi no hi (Day for Combs)".
3. 5.30 can be read "go-mi zero", go-mi means trash. So it is "Gomi zero no hi (No Trash Day)".

Many people in advertising businesses have made many special days. Do you have similar special days in your country ?
(8th October 1994)