March 7

Today is 消防記念日 (Shobo Kinenbi) - Firefighting Memorial Day.

It originates from the enforcement of a new law regarding firefighting in Japan on this day in 1948. Traditional Japanese houses are mostly made of wood, and there is a long history of fires. During the Edo period, a specialized organization called 火消 (Hikeshi) - firefighters was formed, playing the role of preventing the spread of fire and protecting the towns.