A day for the Very Hungry Caterpillar in Japan

This year, 2026, marks fifty years of the Japanese version of The Very Hungry Caterpillar. In preparation for the anniversary, Cosmo Merchandising - who handle the license for Eric Carl's World - registered The Very Hungry Caterpillar Day はらぺこあおむしの日 with the Japan Anniversary Association last year. 

They chose the date March 20th for the anniversary because March 20th is often the day of the spring equinox and it is the period when caterpillars turn into butterflies. Apart from commemorating 50 years of the Japanese version of the beloved book, the anniversary aims to further spread the appeal of the book. 

Although, the book is celebrating 50 years in Japanese in 2026, the history is even longer. Because the very first ENGLISH edition was actually published in Japan in 1969. Moreover, the book is the most read picture book by a foreign author in Japan. It has remained a popular and beloved picture books in home's, bookstores and libraries around Japan.

The photo in this post is from a pop up "the Very Hungry Caterpillar" cafe when it came to Saitama Prefecture in 2023.