From the wordplay of "9-9" (kyu-kyu), today is Emergency Medical Services Day, established by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare in 1982. It is meant to renew awareness of first aid and deepen understanding of ambulance work.
Events are being held across the country again this year. On the afternoon of the 9th, on the 11th floor of KKR Hotel Tokyo two doors from the Palaceside Building, the Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications attended a ceremony honoring people who have contributed to emergency services. The minister and the commissioner of the Fire and Disaster Management Agency presented citations to individuals and groups.