Holidays in Japan: Strange Ones You Should Check Out!

Holidays in Japan aren’t just about tradition and public events; there are also a delightful variety of unofficial celebrations, many centered around food! These quirky holidays often use clever wordplay or cultural references to transform ordinary dates into unique festivities.

From fresh strawberries to curry, natto, or Pocky, these food-themed holidays highlight Japan’s creativity and love for its culinary delights. In this article, we will introduce four holidays in Japan you should check out!

What do these holidays have in common?

Many Japanese holidays are tied to clever wordplay, using numbers and dates to create puns that connect to specific themes. In Japanese, numbers often resemble sounds in words, making specific dates ideal for celebrating foods, traditions, or cultural icons. These playful associations make the holidays memorable and add more fun to the celebrations.

The themes often highlight popular items or concepts, turning a simple date into an occasion to indulge, share, and enjoy something unique. This linguistic creativity helps bring communities and subcultures together while celebrating everyday joys in a uniquely Japanese way.

Strawberry Day (January 15th)

If you love strawberries, Strawberry Day in Japan Is for You! Celebrated on January 15th, this day is a treat for berry lovers. The date cleverly plays on numbers “1” (ichi) and “5” (go), forming ichigo, the Japanese word for strawberry. Bakeries and cafes transform into strawberry havens, offering exclusive cakes, parfaits, and drinks, while convenience stores roll out irresistible strawberry-themed limited-edition treats.

Strawberry picking, or ichigogari in Japanese, is a fantastic activity on Strawberry Day. Local farms offer visitors the chance to pick as many strawberries as they want within a set timeframe, making it a fun and delicious way to celebrate. Japan’s premium strawberries, such as the rich and sweet Amaou variety, are perfect for gifting or indulging in during this berry-filled extravaganza!

Natto Day (July 10th)

Natto Day, observed every July 10th, is a tribute to one of Japan’s most unique and divisive foods—natto! The date comes from clever wordplay, as “7” (nana) and “10” (tou) sound like the word natto (fermented soybeans). Beloved for its sticky texture and bold flavor, natto is praised for its health benefits, which are rich in protein and probiotics.

On this day, stores and restaurants often highlight natto-inspired dishes, encouraging even newcomers to give it a try. For diehard natto fans, it’s a chance to indulge in creative pairings or rare regional varieties. With roots in ancient Japan, natto remains a staple in many households!

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10-Yen Curry Day (September 25th)

Calling all curry and affordable food lovers! On September 25th, Matsumotoro restaurant in Tokyo’s Hibiya Park will host its annual 10-Yen Curry Day. Next year marks the 52nd anniversary of this cherished event, where curry rice is sold for just 10 yen (approximately 10 U.S. cents). The event begins at 11 am, and only 1,500 servings are available! In previous years, some eager participants even line up overnight to ensure they don’t miss out.

The tradition started in 1973 as a way for Matsumotoro to show gratitude after reopening after a devastating fire during a 1971 student demonstration. Since 1997, all proceeds from 10-Yen Curry Day have been donated to UNICEF, making it an annual celebration of generosity and community spirit. In addition to UNICEF, the funds have been used for earthquake disaster relief funds and to assist orphans in traffic accidents. 

Located near Kasumigaseki and Hibiya subway stations, Matsumotoro welcomes everyone to enjoy this heartwarming event. Don’t miss next year’s chance to be part of history and support a great cause! Even if you can’t make it on the day, having curry at this restaurant will be a memorable experience for your trip. 

Pocky Day (November 11th)

If you like Japanese snacks like Pocky, this day is for you! November 11th marks Pocky Day, a celebration of Japan’s most iconic treat. The date, 11/11, resembles the shape of Pocky sticks, making it the perfect time to indulge in this sweet and crunchy delight.

On Pocky Day, stores highlight limited-edition flavors and special packaging while social media fills with creative Pocky-inspired posts. Fans often share the day with friends, enjoying Pocky-themed games and playful challenges. Some bakeries and cafes even offer desserts inspired by Pocky, adding to the excitement of the celebration.

First introduced by Glico in 1966, Pocky has become a worldwide favorite for its thin biscuit sticks coated in chocolate or other delicious flavors. From classic chocolate to unique options like matcha and strawberry, there’s a Pocky for everyone. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the snack, Pocky Day is the perfect excuse to enjoy this beloved Japanese treat!

Why are these strange holidays unique in Japan?

These unique Japanese holidays stand out because they blend clever wordplay with cultural appreciation, creating playful and meaningful celebrations. By connecting dates to foods or traditions through linguistic puns, Japan transforms ordinary days into extraordinary experiences. Does your country have any special food-related holidays? Let us know in the comments below!