Fumizuki, a traditional name for July, refers to “book/origin month.” There are several theories behind the true meaning of this kanji combination, one being that fumizuki is a shortened form of hofumizuki, referring to a time when rice becomes ready for harvest. Another possible explanation is that the name is short for fumihirakizuki, meaning to hope for an improvement in one’s calligraphy skills.

During this month, Tanabata, is celebrated on the seventh and Marine Day, the third Monday of the month, commemorates the return of Emperor Meiji to Yokohama port from a boat trip to Hokkaido in 1876.

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