JAPAN IN
ONE MINUTE 
~“Toji“: How Japan Welcomes Light on the Darkest Day of the Year~
Hey Issy! I just looked into the bathtub and saw something yellow floating in it.
What is that?!
Oh, that’s yuzu, a Japanese citrus fruit.
Today is “Toji“, the winter solstice, so I floated yuzu in the bath.
Wait… “Toji“? What’s that?
“Toji” is the winter solstice, the day with the shortest daytime and the longest night of the year in Japan.
It usually falls around December 21st and marks an important seasonal turning point in Japanese culture.
On this day, the Earth is tilted the farthest away from the sun, which is why daylight is so limited.
Because of this, “Toji” is often considered the middle of winter in Japan.
From this day on, the days slowly start getting longer again.
So even though today is the darkest day,
it means brighter days are coming?
Exactly. “Toji” reminds us that spring is still far away, but it is on its way.
That idea is actually very familiar to me.
In Sweden, we also celebrate the winter season with Saint Lucia Day.
Another winter festival?!
Yes. Saint Lucia Day is celebrated on December 13th.
A girl dressed in white wears a crown of candles, and people sing songs to welcome the light during the darkest time of the year.
I’ve seen pictures of that. It looks beautiful!
It is.
Just like “Toji” in Japan, Saint Lucia Day is about hope, light, and warmth in the middle of winter.
Candles on your head still sound a little scary… but also kind of cool!
On the other hand, “Toji” is often celebrated quietly at home rather than with large festivals.
On “Toji“, many Japanese families float yuzu in hot bathwater.
Why yuzu?
Yuzu has a refreshing citrus scent that helps you relax.
Traditionally, it’s also believed to help prevent colds.
Yuzu is rich in vitamin C and is thought to improve blood circulation and warm the body from the inside.
The smell fills the whole bathroom.
It feels very calming almost like a natural spa.
Okay… but can I eat the yuzu afterward?
No! The yuzu in the bath is not for eating!
OK…worst news of winter…
Summary
“Toji” is Japan’s winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, symbolizing both the depth of winter and the return of light as days begin to grow longer. In Japan, families quietly celebrate at home by taking yuzu baths.
