Sandwich Day

What Is Sandwich Day?

March 13 is "Sandwich Day." Looking at the date written as "3-1-3," the "1" (ichi) is sandwiched between two "3"s (san) - a play on words meaning "sandwiching 1 (ichi) with 3 (san)." Who established the day is not clearly known. This day celebrates the appeal of sandwiches, which let you grab a quick, nutritious meal even in the busiest moments, and encourages people to get creative with new filling combinations. Note that November 3 is also known as "Sandwich Day" in Japan, but that date instead commemorates the birthday of John Montagu, 4th Earl of Sandwich, whose title is said to have given the dish its name.

The Origins and History of the Sandwich

The sandwich is one of the world's most popular "quick meals."

• The gambling earl theory: A famous story holds that in the 18th century, the 4th Earl of Sandwich, an Englishman, asked for meat to be served between slices of bread so he could keep eating without interrupting his card game - giving the dish its name. Eating fillings between bread was nothing new, however, and the earl is not thought to have invented it.
• Food for workers: During the Industrial Revolution, the sandwich's portability and ability to keep workers full are said to have helped it spread among working people.

Interesting Facts About Sandwiches

• The name takes hold: The word "sandwich" first appears as the name of a meal in historian Edward Gibbon's journal from 1762, suggesting it was already a topic of conversation in high society at the time.
• Japan's first station-bento sandwich: In 1899, Ōfunaken began selling sandwiches at Ōfuna Station in Kamakura - said to be the first sandwich sold as an ekiben (station lunch) in Japan.
• The sandwich that went to space: In 1965, an astronaut on Gemini 3 secretly smuggled a corned beef sandwich aboard the spacecraft (a stunt that drew criticism because crumbs could get into the equipment).
• An evolving variety of breads: Beyond standard sliced bread, baguettes, bagels, croissants, focaccia, and more have all become popular bases for sandwiches.
• Putting crusts to good use: The large amounts of bread crusts left over from sandwich production are sometimes reused as breadcrumbs, animal feed, or even an ingredient for brewing beer.

Free Combinations Create the Perfect Harmony

Sandwich Day celebrates the new value created when different elements come together - "sandwiched" between bread. Just as bread's versatility brings together the individual personalities of meat, vegetables, and sauce into one harmonious whole, our daily lives become richer and more flavorful when diverse experiences come together. On March 13, why not create your own "ideal sandwich," packed with everything you love, and enjoy a special lunchtime all your own?

Tips for Enjoying Sandwich Day

• Freely combine whatever ingredients you have in the fridge to create today's "original sandwich" and discover a surprisingly delicious result
• Visit a popular sandwich shop and enjoy the expert combinations and presentation you might never think of yourself
• Take your favorite sandwich to a park and enjoy a picnic in the spring breeze for some refreshing relaxation
• Inspired by "313," sandwich a little "me time" into your busy schedule for some peace of mind

Layers of Variety Create Deeper Joy

March 13 is a day when your many talents blend together beautifully to produce wonderful results. Each experience becomes a layer that builds the rich, flavorful person you are. May today be filled with a satisfying sense of fulfillment and turn out to be a truly "delicious" day!