Culture

October 22 — Japan's History and Today

October 21, 2026

On October 22, 1871, a noon cannon was installed at Edo Castle’s main enclosure, and in 1945, the GHQ issued a directive banning militaristic education. These events mark key turning points in Japan's modernization and postwar reform.

1871: Installation of the Noon Cannon at Edo Castle On October 22, 1871 (Meiji 4, 9th month, 9th day), a noon cannon was established on the site of Edo Castle’s main enclosure. This cannon was fired daily at exactly noon, serving as a time signal to regulate urban life in Tokyo. This practice continued until 1929, influencing the city's cultural and temporal rhythm. For foreign residents, knowing about this cannon tradition helps to understand historical Japanese timekeeping and city life.

1945: GHQ Orders the Ban on Militaristic Education In 1945, following World War II, the Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers (GHQ) issued a directive prohibiting militaristic and ultra-nationalistic education in Japan. This directive marked a major shift towards peace and democratization in Japanese education and laid the foundation for postwar reforms. Understanding this event provides important context to Japan’s current educational values and its commitment to peace. This knowledge is useful when discussing Japan’s educational background.