August 17 — Japan's History and Today

1654 — Arrival of Zen Monk Ingen Ryuki In 1654, the Zen monk Ingen Ryuki from Ming China arrived in Nagasaki. His arrival introduced the Ōbaku school of Zen Buddhism to Japan, significantly influencing the Japanese Buddhist world through the establishment of temples and cultural exchanges. Notably, the style of vegetarian cuisine known as Ingen-ryōri became established in Japan.

1918 — Rice Riots at Ube Coal Mine In 1918, as part of the nationwide rice riots, a major uprising occurred at the Ube coal mine in Yamaguchi Prefecture. Thousands of workers took to the streets, protesting the soaring prices of rice. Many shops were attacked, highlighting the beginnings of labor movements and price control issues in Japanese society.