Umeboshi Day (Umeboshi no Hi)

What Is Umeboshi Day?

July 30 is "Umeboshi Day," based on a wordplay where the numbers 7-3-0 can be read to sound like "nan ga saru" ("misfortune goes away") — referring to the belief that eating umeboshi (pickled plums) wards off bad luck.

The Origins of Umeboshi Day

Late July through early August is when plums that have been salted are laid out to dry in the sun in a process called "doyo-boshi" — and it's right around this time that freshly made umeboshi become available.

• Origin: A wordplay on the numbers 7-3-0, read as "misfortune (7) goes (3) away (0)"
• Seasonal significance: The time of year when plums undergo "doyo-boshi" sun-drying
• Theme: A day to rediscover the benefits and flavor of umeboshi

Trivia About Umeboshi

• Doyo-boshi: Salted plums are dried in the sun during the summer "doyo" period, which gives umeboshi their distinctive flavor and helps them keep longer.
• A perfect match for rice balls: Umeboshi is believed to help preserve rice, and has long been a favorite filling for onigiri.
• Regional specialties: Different regions are known for their own plum varieties, such as Wakayama Prefecture's famous Nanko-ume.

How to Enjoy This Day

July 30 is a day to explore the many ways to enjoy umeboshi. Beyond onigiri and ochazuke, try using it as a seasoning in cooking too.