August 29

In 708, during Japan's Nara period, the imperial government minted the first domestically produced copper coins known as wadōkaichin. These coins bore Chinese characters and were introduced to stabilize and standardize the country's monetary system. Their issuance marked a shift away from barter and the use of imported Chinese currency. The project reflected the central authorities' efforts to strengthen economic control and promote trade. This milestone set the foundation for Japan's evolving economy and currency reforms in subsequent centuries.

On August 29, 1898, Frank Seiberling founded the Goodyear Tire Company in Akron, Ohio. Named after Charles Goodyear, the inventor of vulcanized rubber, the company aimed to innovate tire manufacturing. Akron's access to rubber resources, railroads, and waterways fueled its rapid expansion. Goodyear introduced advanced production methods and stringent quality control that distinguished its products. By the early 20th century, the company had grown into one of the United States' largest tire manufacturers. Today, Goodyear remains a world leader in tire technology, serving automotive, aviation, and industrial markets.

On August 29, 1997, Netflix was launched by Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph as an online DVD rental-by-mail service. Subscribers could browse titles on a website and receive discs through the post, eliminating late fees. The novel subscription model attracted rapid customer growth. Netflix’s launch marked a shift in home entertainment and presaged the streaming era. Over time, it would evolve into a global digital media powerhouse. The company’s success transformed how audiences consume movies and television.