Konamon Day (Flour-Based Food Day)

What Is Konamon Day?

May 7th is "Konamon Day." The date comes from a play on numbers: "ko" (5) + "na" (7) = "kona," meaning flour. It was established in 2003 by the Japan Konamon Association to promote the appeal of "konamon," or foods made from flour. The day celebrates "konamon" -- a broad term covering takoyaki, okonomiyaki, udon, bread, noodles, and other dishes made from flour.

The Background of Konamon Day

Japan has long had a rich culture of flour-based foods, and "konamon culture" is especially deeply rooted in everyday life in the Kansai region. The Japan Konamon Association is a private group founded on May 7, 2003 -- Konamon Day itself -- with food culture researcher Mana Kumagai as its president. It works to spread and pass on konamon culture through takoyaki and okonomiyaki classes and by documenting well-known local shops.

What Is "Konamon"?

"Konamon" is a broad term, used especially in the Kansai region, for dishes made using flours such as wheat flour or rice flour.

• Takoyaki (octopus balls)
• Okonomiyaki (savory pancake)
• Udon and soba noodles
• Bread
• Ramen, pasta, and other noodle dishes
• Doughs and batters for Japanese and Western sweets

Trivia About Konamon

• May 7th is also known as "Flour Day," a day to highlight good ways of using flour.
• Takoyaki is said to have been born in Osaka in the early Showa period, later spreading nationwide.
• In Japan, wheat is mainly used for bread, noodles, and confectionery.
• Gluten-free konamon made with rice flour has been gaining attention in recent years.
• The Japan Konamon Association has two mascot characters: "Ussuman," modeled on a stone flour mill, and "Konamo," a flour fairy wearing wheat on its head.

How to Enjoy Konamon Day

• Make takoyaki or okonomiyaki at home.
• Visit your favorite konamon restaurant.
• Try making udon or bread from scratch.
• Look into regional konamon traditions.

May 7th: A Day to Savor the Charm of Flour

Konamon Day is a chance to rediscover the appeal of flour-based dishes that are part of everyday life. From home cooking to specialty restaurant fare, flour-based foods are an indispensable part of Japanese cuisine. On May 7th, enjoy your favorite konamon and explore just how deep this food culture goes.