Niwatori (Chicken) Day

What Is Niwatori Day?

The 28th of every month is "Niwatori (Chicken) Day," established in 1978 (Showa 53) by the Japan Poultry Association and others. It comes from the wordplay "2 (ni) wa (8) tori," meaning "chicken." The day aims to encourage the consumption of chicken meat and eggs while expressing gratitude to the chickens that support our daily meals. February 28 is the date when this wordplay is most fitting, occurring only once a year.

A "Perfect Nutritional Food" That Supports the Japanese Table

Eggs, laid by chickens, were once called a "perfect nutritional food" because they contain nearly every nutrient the body needs except vitamin C and dietary fiber. Chicken meat, meanwhile, is high in protein and low in fat, and demand for it has grown steadily as health consciousness has increased. February 28 is a day to recognize just how much these affordable, nutrient-dense chicken products contribute to our health.

Culture and History: From Divine Messenger to Beloved Pet

In ancient texts like the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, chickens appear as the "long-crying bird of the eternal world" (tokoyo no naganakidori), playing a sacred role in calling the sun goddess Amaterasu out of her cave. In the Edo period, many ornamental breeds of "wakei" (Japanese chickens) were developed purely for their beauty. February 28 is also a day to reflect on the cultural and historical roles chickens have played in Japan, beyond simply being a food source.

Facts and Trivia About Chickens

• Daily egg production: A typical laying hen produces roughly one egg per day - about 300 a year.
• Wakei (Japanese chicken breeds): Some unique Japanese breeds, such as the long-tailed "Onagadori," are designated as natural national treasures.
• The secret of the crow: Roosters mainly crow early in the morning to mark their territory and signal the start of the day to other chickens.
• Domestic self-sufficiency: Chicken meat and eggs have a relatively high self-sufficiency rate among Japan's livestock products, making them important for food security.
• Versatile cuts: From thigh and breast to tenderloin, gizzard, and liver, chicken offers a wide variety of cuts with very little waste.

Gratitude, and Energy for Tomorrow

Niwatori Day is a day to put gratitude for food into action. Behind every egg or chicken dish we eat are the people who raised the chickens, and ultimately, the precious lives of the chickens themselves. On February 28, take a little extra time to savor your meal and turn this gift into energy for a great tomorrow.

Tips for Enjoying Niwatori Day

• Take advantage of "28th-only" sales at chicken restaurants and fast-food chains for a great deal on chicken dishes
• Try a new egg-based recipe, like an omelet or oyakodon, to fully enjoy the "gift of the chicken"
• At the supermarket egg aisle, take note of differences in origin and farming method (such as free-range), and think about how the eggs were produced
• Read a picture book featuring chickens with kids, or look into the role of chickens in Japanese mythology

A Quiet "Thank You" for the Cycle of Life

February 28 is a day to recognize that the meals we take for granted are supported by countless lives and efforts. Taking responsibility for the lives we consume, and treating food with care, makes our lives richer and more sincere. May today be a day that helps you appreciate food and feel nourished in both body and spirit.