When you think of "honey," what comes to mind? The image of bees busily creating honey in their hive, health foods like throat lozenges, and supplements are common associations. However, not many people are aware of a special commemorative day called “Honey Day” in Japan.
In this article, we will introduce the background of the establishment of “Honey Day,” as well as campaigns and events related to this day, while also discussing the history of beekeeping in Japan.
Beekeeping in Japan: Its History and Current State
Before introducing "Honey Day", let’s first look at the historical background and current status of beekeeping in Japan.
History of Beekeeping in Japan
According to the website of the Japan Beekeeping Association, the history of beekeeping in Japan is summarized as follows (this article will briefly cover the content up to the Edo period).
The first written mention of bees in Japan is found in the Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan) from 627 AD. At that time, there was no specific word for "honeybee," and they were referred to as "a swarm of flies," possibly due to the lack of an appropriate term. The first recorded use of the term "honeybee" in literature was in 643 AD in the Nihon Shoki, which mentions an attempt to keep bees at Mount Miwa in Nara, though it ended in failure. This is considered the beginning of beekeeping in Japan.
During the Nara period (around 710-794 AD), honey was presented as a tribute from foreign countries. By the Heian period (794-1185 AD), there are records of honey being offered as tribute within Japan. References from The Tale of Genji, Japan's oldest novel, indicate that honey was used to blend perfumes during this period. Towards the end of the Heian period, historical stories depict the keeping of honeybees.
Beekeeping became more systematic during the Edo period (1603-1868 AD). With societal stability and the development of a monetary economy, interest in products that could be converted into cash increased. Books on bee ecology and beekeeping techniques began to be published during this time.
Current State of Beekeeping in Japan
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries' Livestock Division materials ("Trends Surrounding Beekeeping," February 2024), the domestic production of honey in 2022 was 2,527 tons. Additionally, the top five honey-producing prefectures in Japan in the same year were Hokkaido (378.5 tons), Kumamoto (239.4 tons), Akita (221.1 tons), Nagano (218.0 tons), and Aomori (149.6 tons), which together accounted for about half of the total production. On the other hand, domestic honey consumption in 2022 was 49,783 tons, resulting in a self-sufficiency rate of 5.1%.
History of "Honey Day"
The "Honey Day," dedicated to honey, is set on August 3. Established in 1985 by the Japan Beekeeping Honey Association and the All Japan Honey Cooperative, the purpose is to "promote the charm of honey and products containing honey as health foods." The reason why "Honey Day" is on August 3 is due to the play on words in Japanese, where "hachi" (8) and "mitsu" (3) can be read as "honey."
Incidentally, besides August 3's "Honey Day," there is also "World Bee Day" on May 20. This day was established at the United Nations General Assembly in December 2017 based on a proposal by the Slovenian government. The date itself commemorates the birthday of Anton Jansha, a pioneer of modern beekeeping in Slovenia, and it is intended to recognize the importance of bees and other pollinators to ecosystems.
Campaigns and Events Related to "Honey Day"
Let's check out the campaigns and events related to "Honey Day" on August 3rd.
First, we have information about Winnie the Pooh, the famous Disney character known for his love of honey. To commemorate August 3rd (Honey Day), "Disney Fantasy Shop" by the mail-order company Belle Maison will launch new Winnie the Pooh products. These include adorable makeup boxes and shoulder bags designed with Pooh.
Belle Maison "Winnie the Pooh" Goods Special Feature
In addition, at Fujii Bee Farm in Asakura City, Fukuoka Prefecture, a special campaign will be held in their direct honey sales store on "Honey Day" in 2024.
Apart from the actual Honey Day on August 3rd, there's also an event called the "Honey Festa." At the 8th event held in 2023, there were about 100 types of honey-related products, including honey, honey-based alcoholic beverages, and sweets. Workshops were also held where participants could make items like honey tea syrup, refreshing honey lemon aroma bath bombs, and honey and herb bath salts.
The 9th "Honey Festa" in 2024 is scheduled to be held at "Ginza Phoenix Plaza" in Chuo Ward, Tokyo, from Friday, July 26th to Sunday, July 28th. If you live in Tokyo or plan to visit Ginza during these three days, please stop by the venue.
Conclusion: Challenge Yourself with a "Honey Certification"
In this article, we’ve covered the history and current status of beekeeping in Japan, the establishment of "Honey Day," and related campaigns and events.
The Japan Honey Meister Association, which hosts the "Honey Festa," offers "Honey Certifications." These certifications recognize specialists in honey. There are various courses, including a beginner’s course for learning the basics of honey in a short time, a basic to intermediate course for those aiming to become a certified advisor, and an intermediate course for those aspiring to become certified instructors.
If you love honey and can't get enough of it, if you want to work hard to get a qualification, or if you want to spread the charm of honey from yourself to the world, why not give it a try?
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