64 Zoo Lane

On Washi‑Washi Day, every animal in the community gathers to wash and groom themselves, striving to become squeaky clean. Horace the hare, however, continually invents excuses and refuses to take part in the cleaning ritual, despite the collective effort of the others.

The programme titled The Story of Washi‑Washi Day is presented as an episode‑length feature. It falls under the genre of a programme episode, offering a concise narrative centred on a particular tradition observed by the animal characters. On Washi‑Washi Day every creature takes part in a thorough washing and grooming ritual, intent on becoming squeaky clean. The day’s purpose is purely hygienic, with each animal eagerly scrubbing, rinsing and preening themselves until they sparkle. This collective effort underscores the communal spirit of the celebration. Horace the hare, however, continually finds reasons to avoid the ritual. Rather than joining his peers in the cleansing routine, he repeatedly offers excuses, sidestepping the shared activity. His reluctance stands in stark contrast to the enthusiasm displayed by the other animals, highlighting his unique stance on the day’s customs. The episode therefore juxtaposes the unanimous desire for cleanliness with Horace’s persistent hesitance. While the majority of the animal community embraces the Washi‑Washi tradition wholeheartedly, Horace’s pattern of avoidance provides a recurring thread throughout the story, marking him as the sole participant who consistently opts out of the communal grooming.