Slot Release Schedule for March 2026

 

◆Applicable Operation Dates◆

・RJTT / RJCC: 01MAR26 – 28MAR26

・RJAA: 01MAR26 – 28MAR26

・RJBB: 01MAR26 – 28MAR26

◆Monthly Application Deadline◆

・RJTT / RJCC: 10FEB26 0730Z (1630L)

・RJAA: 05FEB26 0730Z (1630L)

・RJBB: 10MAR26 0730Z (1630L)

◆Daily Application Starts at◆

・RJTT / RJCC: 20FEB26 0800Z (1700L)

・RJAA: 16FEB26 0800Z (1700L)

・RJBB: 20FEB26 0800Z (1700L)

(*L=JST)

*Slots for today through 28FEB2026 may be applied for on a daily basis for RJTT/RJCC.

*Slots for today through 28FEB2026 may be applied for on a daily basis for RJAA.

*Slots for today through 28FEB2026 may be applied for on a daily basis for RJBB.

LATEST TOPICS

 

Hatsu-uma (The first horse day festival)

 

 

Hatsu-uma Festival is a very important day for Inari Shrines across Japan . “Inari” refers to a very important Shinto deity and Hatsu-uma means “the first day of the Horse”.  All Inari Shrines celebrate the first Horse Day in the second month of the year.

 

In the Japanese zodiac, 2026 is the Year of the Horse—a powerful symbol of vitality, bold leaps, and good fortune for those ready to take on new challenges. The guardian deity of this auspicious year is Seishi Bodhisattva, the Buddhist embodiment of wisdom and compassion.

 

Did you know that the tradition of leaving wooden votive plaques called “ema” (literally meaning picture horse) at Japanese shrines originated from the custom of offering actual horses? This tradition has become more symbolic over time, and today it is common to offer simply shaped plaques painted with images of horses or other auspicious symbols.

 

This year, “the first day of the horse,” falls on February 1st.  It is celebrated in many unique ways such as through cooking ceremonial food or preparing lucky charms made with cedar wood.

 

Nagasaki Lantern Festival

 

The Nagasaki Lantern Festival was originally a popular Chinese New Year festival held by the people of Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown (the oldest Chinatown in Japan) to celebrate the Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) in order to promote the town. In recent years, the festival has been expanded to become the Nagasaki Lantern Festival, and has since become a major winter tradition in Nagasaki.

During the festival, in keeping with the Chinese custom of displaying lanterns in Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown, the city center is also decorated with brightly colored lanterns. In addition, entertainment, such as parades, and Chinese performances are held and fascinate everyone.

 

The 2026 Nagasaki Lantern Festival will be held from the 6^th of February to the 23^rd.