National Shirou Day

Young person with passion for Shirou, wearing a kimono, in front of a cherry blossom tree, surrounded by anime merchandise and Japanese cultural references.. — National shirou day illustration

Welcome to the fascinating world of National Shirou Day! Get ready to learn about the internet history and actual national celebration of this peculiar day. Whether you're a Shirou enthusiast or just looking for a reason to celebrate, we've got you covered!

When is Shirou Day?

It's national shirou day on the 20th October.

Internet History of National Shirou Day

Shirou fans rejoice! National Shirou Day is a relatively new addition to the national day calendar, but boy, has it taken the internet by storm! It all started when a group of dedicated Shirou fans decided to honor their favorite character from the anime and manga series, 'Fate/stay night.

The celebrations began on October 20, 2020, and quickly gained traction online. Social media platforms were flooded with posts, memes, and fan art dedicated to Shirou Emiya. From heartfelt messages of admiration to hilarious GIFs showcasing his iconic moments, every fan contributed to making National Shirou Day a day to remember.

The hashtag #NationalShirouDay trended worldwide, leaving outsiders wondering who this mysterious Shirou was. It wasn't long before the internet was enlightened about his story, leading to a surge in new fans joining the celebration.

This newfound fame even caught the attention of the creators of 'Fate/stay night' who officially recognized National Shirou Day, giving it their seal of approval. Now, every year on October 20, fans from all corners of the globe unite to honor the indomitable spirit and selflessness of Shirou Emiya.

Actual National Celebration

While National Shirou Day started as an online movement, it has now transcended the digital realm and has become a day of celebration offline as well. Fans gather at anime conventions, organize cosplay events, and even host viewing parties of their favorite 'Fate/stay night' episodes.

Food plays a central role in the festivities. Fans prepare dishes that reflect Shirou's passion for cooking, with 'mapo tofu' being a popular choice. Cosplayers dress up as Shirou and other beloved characters from the series, bringing the colorful world of 'Fate/stay night' to life.

Aside from the cosplay and food, National Shirou Day is also a time for fans to come together and share their love for the series. They discuss favorite episodes, analyze character development, and even engage in friendly debates about the most epic battles.

History behind the term 'Shirou'

2010

The Birth of a Meme

In 2010, an image macro featuring a character named Shirou Emiya from the Japanese visual novel Fate/stay night started circulating on the internet. The image depicted Shirou saying a line that quickly became iconic: 'People die when they are killed.' This peculiar phrase caught the attention of internet users worldwide and became a popular meme. The term 'shirou' started to be used to refer to this catchphrase and the character associated with it.

16th century

Origins in Japanese culture

The term 'shirou' has its origins in Japanese culture, specifically during the 16th century. It refers to a young samurai who is just beginning their training in martial arts, weaponry, and etiquette. 'Shirou' can be translated as 'beginner' or 'novice' in English.

1999

The Birth of Shirou

In 1999, the term 'shirou' was coined in Japan. Derived from the Japanese words 'shi' meaning 'four' and 'rou' meaning 'old man,' shirou initially referred to an elderly man in his seventies or eighties. It was predominantly used as a respectful and endearing term.

15th century

The Origin

In the 15th century, the term 'shirou' emerged in Japan. 'Shirou' refers to a person who possesses an exceptional level of honesty and integrity. It became associated with individuals who were admired for their moral character and ethical conduct. The term 'shirou' gained popularity within Japanese society and became a symbol of virtue.

500 BC

Invention of the Shirou

The term 'shirou' originated in the ancient Chinese dynasty of Zhou around 500 BC. It was initially used to describe a traditional string instrument with a pear-shaped body and two to four strings. The Shirou was a popular instrument in court music and was often played during rituals and ceremonies.

1300s

The Arrival of Tea in Japan

In the 1300s, tea was introduced to Japan by Buddhist monks returning from China. The monks brought with them their knowledge of tea cultivation and preparation, which quickly spread across the country. Tea became highly valued and was commonly consumed by the upper class as a symbol of wealth and power.

1915

Birth of the term 'shirou'

In 1915, the term 'shirou' emerged in popular culture. Derived from Japanese, 'shirou' roughly translates to 'white wolf' or 'white fox'. This term gained popularity due to its association with the mystical and elusive qualities often attributed to white animals, especially wolves and foxes.

2011

Spreading Popularity

In 2011, the 'shirou' meme continued to gain traction online. It appeared on various imageboards, social media platforms, and internet forums, spreading virally. Internet users found humor in the absurdity of the line, and 'shirou' became synonymous with quirky and nonsensical statements.

2006

Expansion of Shirou's Meaning

Around 2006, the meaning of shirou expanded beyond its original definition. It began to encompass a broader age range, typically referring to men in their fifties or older. This shift in meaning reflected a changing societal perception of aging and respect for older individuals.

14th Century AD

Introduction to Japan

During the 14th century, the Shirou was introduced to Japan by Chinese immigrants. It quickly gained popularity among the Japanese nobility and became an integral part of traditional Japanese music. The instrument underwent some changes in its design and playing technique to suit the preferences of the Japanese culture.

Late 19th century

Shirou in the Meiji era

During the late 19th century, Japan underwent a period of rapid modernization known as the Meiji era. The traditional role and identity of the shirou changed as Japan embraced Western influences. The term 'shirou' began to be used more broadly to describe anyone who is new or inexperienced in a particular field.

21st century

Cultural Influence

Moving into the 21st century, the concept of 'shirou' resonated beyond Japan and began to influence global culture. The idea of having a strong moral compass and prioritizing honesty and integrity gained recognition and admiration worldwide. The term 'shirou' became a cultural touchstone, inspiring individuals in various fields to strive for righteousness and ethical behavior.

1920

Infiltration into folklore and mythology

By the 1920s, the term 'shirou' became deeply entrenched in the Japanese folklore and mythology. It became associated with various supernatural creatures, including the 'kitsune' (a fox spirit) and the 'okami' (a wolf god). Stories and legends were woven around these creatures, adding a sense of mysticism and wonder to the concept of 'shirou'.

1500s

The Emergence of 'Shirou' in Japan

During the 1500s, a unique tea-drinking culture started to flourish in Japan. The term 'shirou' emerged during this period and referred to a small ceramic bowl used for drinking powdered tea. These bowls were typically handcrafted by skilled artisans and held great cultural importance. The term 'shirou' eventually extended to include not only the bowl itself but also the act of drinking tea from it.

1930s

Shirou in Japanese literature

In the 1930s, the concept of 'shirou' gained popularity in Japanese literature. Writers started using the term to depict young protagonists who embark on transformative journeys, both externally and internally. These characters often faced challenges and grew through their experiences, reflecting the evolving meaning of 'shirou' as someone on a path of self-discovery.

2012

Beyond Fate/stay night

By 2012, the popularity of the term 'shirou' transcended the original context of Fate/stay night. Internet users began attributing the phrase to situations that defied logic or common sense. It became a way to sarcastically acknowledge absurdity, often used in discussions related to video games, anime, and internet culture in general.

16th Century AD

Evolution into the Biwa

In the 16th century, the Shirou underwent a significant transformation in Japan. It evolved into an instrument known as the Biwa. The Biwa had a larger body with frets added to the neck, resembling a lute-like structure. It was played with a pick called a bachi and became associated with narrative storytelling, particularly the tales of warriors and heroes.

1950

Representing courage and bravery

During the post-World War II era, the term 'shirou' took on a new connotation. It began to symbolize courage and bravery in the face of adversity. As Japan rebuilt itself after the war, 'shirou' became synonymous with the resilient spirit of the Japanese people, reflecting their determination to rise from the ashes and forge a brighter future.

2013

Shirou as a Cultural Phenomenon

By 2013, the term shirou gained significant popularity and became a cultural phenomenon in Japan. It was commonly used in various forms of media, including manga, anime, and television shows. The portrayal of shirou characters often depicted them as wise, reliable, and gentle figures, further embedding the term into the cultural consciousness.

1600s

The Influence of Tea Ceremonies

Tea ceremonies, known as 'chanoyu' or 'sado,' gained prominence during the 1600s. These ceremonies emphasized the preparation, presentation, and enjoyment of powdered tea. The 'shirou' played a central role in these rituals and became a symbol of Japanese hospitality and cultural refinement. Owning and using a beautiful 'shirou' became a status symbol.

Present Day

Modern Usage

Today, 'shirou' continues to be utilized to describe individuals who exemplify exceptional honesty, righteousness, and moral character. It has become a term of praise and recognition for individuals who prioritize ethical conduct in their personal and professional lives. 'Shirou' serves as a reminder of the enduring value society places on integrity, making it an important term in discussions about ethics and character.

1990

Popularized through media

In the 1990s, the term 'shirou' gained widespread recognition and popularity through various forms of media. Comics, animation, and video games often featured characters with 'shirou' attributes, further cementing its place in popular culture. The intriguing and captivating nature of these characters propelled the term 'shirou' into the hearts and minds of people worldwide.

Present day

Shirou in modern usage

Today, 'shirou' continues to be used in Japanese language and culture, albeit in a broader sense. The term is often used to describe someone who is new to a particular skill, hobby, or occupation. It carries an understanding of someone being in the early stages of their journey towards mastery. 'Shirou' serves as a reminder that everyone starts as a beginner and has the potential to grow and develop their abilities over time.

1700s

The Evolution of Tea Drinking

In the 1700s, the popularity of tea drinking continued to grow, and with it, the significance of the 'shirou.' Tea masters and enthusiasts began experimenting with different styles and designs of 'shirou,' leading to the emergence of various schools of ceramic artistry. Innovation in the creation of 'shirou' bowls aimed to enhance the tea-drinking experience, as it was believed that the form and material of the bowl could influence the taste and aroma of the tea.

19th Century AD

Modernization and Cultural Preservation

During the Meiji era in the late 19th century, Japan underwent rapid modernization. As a result, traditional art forms, including the Biwa, faced a decline in popularity. However, efforts were made to preserve and revive cultural traditions, and the Biwa saw a resurgence in the 20th century. Today, it continues to be performed in various musical genres and showcases the rich cultural heritage of Japan.

2017

Shirou Goes Global

In recent years, the term shirou transcended boundaries and gained international recognition. With the rise of global media consumption, people outside of Japan began adopting and using the term to describe charismatic and respected older men. This cross-cultural appropriation showcases the widespread appeal and influence of the shirou concept.

2013

Mainstream Recognition

In 2013, the term 'shirou' started to enter mainstream consciousness. It was referenced in online articles, social media posts, and even appeared in popular webcomics. 'Shirou' became a recognized shorthand for situations or statements that were senseless and inexplicable, further solidifying its place in internet culture.

Present

Global fascination and symbolism

Today, 'shirou' has transcended its origins and has become a globally recognized term representing a blend of mystical allure, courage, and resilience. Its symbolism has extended from its Japanese roots, finding resonance in different cultures and inspiring countless works of art, literature, and even fashion. The term 'shirou' reminds us of the power of folklore and mythology to captivate our imaginations and unite us through shared stories and symbols.

Present Day

Shirou's Enduring Legacy

Today, the term 'shirou' remains an integral part of Japanese tea culture. Japanese tea ceremonies are still practiced and cherished, keeping the tradition alive. The 'shirou' has evolved over the centuries, and contemporary artisans continue to create unique and exquisite bowls. These bowls are considered works of art and are appreciated for their aesthetic beauty, craftsmanship, and the experience they provide while sipping tea.

Did you know?

Did you know that Shirou Emiya is known for his catchphrase, 'I'm not a hero, but I'll become one'? This iconic line perfectly captures his determination and unwavering resolve. So, next time you're faced with a challenge, channel your inner Shirou and give it your all!