According to Japanese tradition, February 11, 660 B.C., marks the founding of Japan with the ascension of Emperor Jimmu, the nation's legendary first emperor. Jimmu, said to be a direct descendant of the sun goddess Amaterasu, established the imperial lineage that continues to this day. This date is celebrated as National Foundation Day in Japan and is a time for national reflection on the country’s long and rich history.

Ancient myths describe Jimmu's journey from Kyushu to Yamato, where he established his rule after facing numerous challenges and battles. His leadership was believed to be divinely guided, and he was seen as the unifier of the Japanese people under a single ruler. While the historical accuracy of this event remains debated, it has become a central part of Japan’s national identity, symbolizing unity and the continuity of the imperial line.

Over the centuries, Japan’s imperial system, one of the oldest continuous monarchies in the world, has undergone significant transformations. While emperors historically held great power, the role of the monarchy has evolved, particularly after the Meiji Restoration (1868), which modernized Japan’s government and society. Today, the Emperor of Japan serves a primarily ceremonial function, embodying the nation’s traditions and cultural heritage. Yet, the legend of Jimmu remains an essential part of Japanese history and continues to be honored in rituals, literature, and national celebrations.

On February 11, 1990, after 27 years in prison, Nelson Mandela walked free from Victor Verster Prison in South Africa, marking a defining moment in the country’s struggle against apartheid. His release signaled the beginning of major political change and paved the way for South Africa’s transition to a democratic society.

Mandela, a leader of the African National Congress (ANC), had been imprisoned since 1962 for his efforts to combat institutionalized racism. Charged with sabotage and conspiracy against the state, he was sentenced to life in prison. However, despite his incarceration, Mandela became a global symbol of resistance, inspiring anti-apartheid movements worldwide. Throughout his imprisonment, he endured harsh conditions on Robben Island, where he and other political prisoners were subjected to backbreaking labor and isolation.

His release was not only a moment of joy for South Africans but also a result of intense negotiations between the ANC and the South African government, led by then-President F.W. de Klerk. The event was broadcast globally, showing millions of people the moment Mandela walked hand-in-hand with his wife, Winnie Mandela, smiling as he stepped into freedom. The occasion was met with celebrations across South Africa and the world, marking the first real step toward the dismantling of apartheid.

Following his release, Mandela played a critical role in peace talks and reconciliation efforts, helping to prevent widespread civil unrest. His leadership led to the country’s first multiracial democratic elections in 1994, where he was elected as South Africa’s first Black president. As president, he championed national unity and worked tirelessly to bridge the racial and economic divides that apartheid had created. Mandela’s legacy remains a testament to the power of resilience, forgiveness, and the pursuit of justice. His story continues to inspire leaders and activists worldwide, reinforcing the importance of human rights, equality, and democracy in modern society.

Interestingly, Mandela’s name is also associated with a psychological phenomenon known as the Mandela Effect. This term was coined by researcher Fiona Broome after she and many others falsely remembered that Nelson Mandela had died in prison in the 1980s, long before his actual release in 1990. 

The Mandela Effect describes instances where large groups of people share incorrect memories about historical events, pop culture, and even everyday facts. Examples include the spelling of the Berenstain Bears (often misremembered as “Berenstein Bears”) and the belief that Darth Vader says, “Luke, I am your father,” when in reality, he says, “No, I am your father.”

While the exact cause of the Mandela Effect is debated, theories suggest it could be linked to the fallibility of memory, misinformation, or even alternate reality concepts. Regardless of its origin, it highlights the fascinating ways in which human memory and perception can shape our understanding of the past

Rubiks Cube Creation
In 1974, Hungarian architect Ernő Rubik invented what would become the world’s most famous puzzle—but there was just one problem: he couldn’t solve it. After scrambling his prototype for the first time, it took him an entire month to figure out how to get all the colors back in place. Once he cracked the code, he realized he had accidentally created one of the hardest puzzles ever.

The OG Alarm Clock
Before snooze buttons, the first attempt at a modern alarm clock was literally just a guy with a gun. In the 18th century, French inventor Antoine Redier came up with an early alarm system that fired a pistol at a bell to wake people up. Effective? Sure. Safe? Absolutely not. But for a brief moment in history, waking up meant dodging a bullet—literally.

Samurai Backup Weapon
Samurai were known for their razor-sharp katanas, but when swords weren’t an option, they had a surprising backup weapon: a folding fan. Called "tessen", these were no ordinary paper fans—some were made of iron and could be used to block attacks, strike enemies, or even deflect arrows. Others just looked harmless but had hidden metal ribs, turning them into stealthy self-defense tools.

Fire Escape Death
In a cruel twist of fate, the inventor of the fire escape, Joseph Winters, met his end in the most ironic way possible—by falling off a fire escape. Winters, who patented an improved fire escape ladder in the late 19th century, spent his life making buildings safer. Unfortunately, fate had other plans. While testing or using one of his own designs, he tragically fell to his death.

If you enjoy this edition of Today In History be sure to send it to a friend and force them to sign up because that’s what good friends do. Until next time, stay curious, question everything, and keep uncovering the mysteries of the past. - Zach⛺️