Why didn't Taki and Mitsuha notice the dates on their phones

Test.

Lord of the Religious Allusions

Forced drama.

Shinkai didn't find a way.

>>153113787
Maybe it's one of those settings where they only show the day and month.
The still should have realised it from their enviroments, though.

>>153117579
You see the date everywhere though. A movie ad on the subway, a calender on the classroom wall, even during daily news or the websites you visit. Even here. It's literally impossible to not see the year.

>>153113787
>>153120262
Because they're baka couple. The system intended to had them realize it and warn people about the future properly. Fortunately, their love (Musubi) is strong enough to overcome the diaster.