The birthday flowers of February 4th as well as the anniversaries and annual observances in Japan on February 4th.
Today, February 4 – Flowers
On February 4th, the “birthday flowers” in Japan include;
- Japanese Quince (木瓜)
- Red Sakurasou (赤いサクラソウ)
Japanese Quince (木瓜)
Japanese Quince, boke (木瓜) can bloom in winter and spring. Winter quince blooms in November and December, and in spring it blooms around March and April. I took the photo in this post on March 22nd. Its blossoms range from soft pinks to vivid reds and warm oranges, creating a striking contrast against bare branches. In traditional Japanese flower language, it carries meanings such as “ordinary”, “passion”, “precious,” and “a pioneer.” Each color has a meaning all of its own too. Boke often appears in gardens, temple grounds, and seasonal arrangements, and its understated beauty has made it a favorite subject in poetry and painting. It is also the birthday flower of February 5th and 17th.
Today, February 4 – Anniversaries & Annual Observances
- Risshun [立春]
- World Cancer Day [世界対がんデー]
- West Day [西の日]
- Puyo Day [ぷよの日]
- Beatles Day [ビートルズの日]
- Pregnancy Day [妊娠の日]
- Ladies’ Uniform Day [レディース・ユニフォームの日]
- Nissy Day [Nissyの日]
- Safe Bathing for Seniors Day [高齢者安全入浴の日]
- Mitarashi Dango Day [みたらしだんごの日]
In the past, Vitamin C Care Day [ビタミンCケアの日] was also a registered anniversary of February 4th. Created by Doctro Ci:Labo in Tokyo to encourage people to protect their skin with vitamin C, a nutrient known for helping address concerns such as dullness, roughness, and blemishes.
1. Risshun (立春)
Risshun marks the first of the 24 solar terms in the traditional East Asian calendar and usually falls around February 4. It represents the symbolic beginning of spring, even though the weather may still feel wintry. Astronomically, Risshun occurs when the sun reaches 315° on the ecliptic, and the period continues until the next solar term, Usui, arrives about two weeks later. In older Japanese seasonal thinking, this day sits midway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox, making it a natural turning point toward longer days and the gradual return of warmth. Risshun is also the starting point for traditional day‑counting, such as the well‑known Hachijūhachi‑ya (the 88th day after risshun) for example.
2. World Cancer Day (世界対がんデー)
World Cancer Day was established by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) in 2002. They created the commemorative day following the 2000 Paris Charter that called for a global alliance against cancer. The purpose of the day is to raise awareness, encourage prevention, early detection, and treatment, and to push cancer control higher on political and public‑health agendas. It also aims to correct misinformation and reduce stigma surrounding the disease. UICC is a consortium of more than 350 cancer‑related organizations across over 100 countries. In 2005 it launched the World Cancer Campaign. The campaign emphasizes that up to 40% of cancers can be prevented through actions such as avoiding tobacco smoke, maintaining physical activity and balanced nutrition, preventing virus‑related cancers, and limiting excessive sun exposure.
3. West Day (西の日)
West Day is observed on February 4 because the numbers 2 (ni) and 4 (shi) can be read together as “nishi,”. Nishi is the Japanese for west. It’s a classic example of goroawase, Japan’s fondness for creating anniversaries from number‑based wordplay. West Day is more symbolic. It’s meant to encourage people to think about the idea of “looking westward” in a cultural or geographical sense. As well as the Western direction in general, as well as western regions of Japan.
4. Puyo Day [ぷよの日]
Puyo Day was created to honor the long‑loved puzzle game series Puyo Puyo (Dr Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine / Kirby’s Avalanche), by Sega. The date comes from a number‑word pun: 2 (pu) and 4 (yo) combine to form “puyo,” matching the game’s name. The purpose of the February 4th anniversary is to promote the charm of the Puyo Puyo games, which became a major hit thanks to their cute characters, colorful falling blobs, and the then‑innovative “chain combo” mechanic. Since the first release in 1991, the series has expanded across consoles, arcades, and competitive play and remains a beloved part of Japanese gaming culture.
5. Beatles Day (ビートルズの日)
Beatles Day is an anniversary dedicated to the Beatles. The date was chosen after their famous nickname “Fab.4” which is like Feb.4! “Fab.4” is short for “Fabulous Four,” referring to John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr, the legendary rock band from Liverpool who rose to global fame in the 1960s. They were huge in Japan, still are to a degree. The day highlights their enduring influence, from their chart‑topping albums to their role in shaping modern pop culture. Japan also recognizes another Beatles Day on June 29, marking the anniversary of their first visit to Japan in 1966. The photo, taken just last month, is of a capsule toy machine that dispenses mini replica albums of the Beatles!
6. Pregnancy Day (妊娠の日)
Junbie Co., Ltd., a company based in Ginza that supports women from pre‑pregnancy through postpartum created Pregnancy Day. The date comes from a wordplay reading of the numbers 2 (ni) and 4 (shi) as “nin‑shin”, meaning pregnancy. The purpose of the day is to help women who hope to conceive envision a positive future and to support them in staying healthy and confident throughout pregnancy and after childbirth. Junbie promote the day through its maternity‑support products and services, which they designed to help women maintain balance and well‑being while waiting for their baby.
7. Ladies’ Uniform Day (レディース・ユニフォームの日)
Ladies’ Uniform Day was established by the Ladies’ Uniform Association, a group formed by companies involved in designing and selling women’s office uniforms. They chose the date because February 4 often coincides with Risshun. Risshun, the traditional start of spring, is also the season when spring–summer trade shows are on across Japan. It also comes from a playful number reading: 2 (yu) and 4 (fo) which echo “uniform.” The purpose of the day is to highlight the importance and value of women’s uniforms in Japanese workplace culture—emphasizing their roles in professionalism, identity, convenience, and reducing personal clothing costs. As part of the celebration, the association hosts the Ladies’ Uniform Best Dresser Company Award, recognizing businesses with particularly appealing uniform designs.
8. Nissy Day (Nissyの日)
Nissy Day celebrates the solo activities of Nissy, the artist name of Takahiro Nishijima, a member of the popular group AAA. The date comes from a playful reading of the numbers 2 (ni) and 4 (shi), which together echo “Nishi,” part of his surname. The anniversary was established by Avex Management to highlight Nissy’s work as a singer, performer, and creator, and it was officially certified by the Japan Anniversary Association. Nissy has built a strong fanbase through his distinctive music, fashion sense, and creative direction, making February 4 a day for fans to celebrate his achievements and ongoing artistic projects.
9. Safe Bathing for Seniors Day (高齢者安全入浴の日)
The Japan Health, Medical, and Life Association created this commemoration day to raise awareness about preventing bathing‑related accidents among older adults. They chose the because February is one of the coldest months of the year, when sudden temperature changes between dressing rooms, bathrooms, and hot water can increase the risk of shock, fainting, or cardiac events. The day encourages families and caregivers to pay attention to safe bathing habits—such as warming the bathroom in advance, avoiding excessively hot water, and ensuring that seniors do not bathe alone if they are at risk. By designating this awareness day, the association hopes to reduce the number of preventable accidents and promote safer, more comfortable bathing practices for Japan’s aging population.
10. Mitarashi Dango Day (みたらしだんごの日)
Mitarashi Dango are skewered rice dumplings coated in a glossy, sweet-savory soy glaze. Each month the 3rd, 4th and 5th of the month are Mitarashi Dango Days. The reason is – they spell out Mi (3) tarashi (4) dango (5)! You can sometimes find special offers on Mitarashi Dango on these days of the month.