Nutrition Day
OtherWhat Is Nutrition Day?
August 4th is "Nutrition Day" in Japan, established in 2016 by the Japan Dietetic Association, a public interest incorporated association, and certified and registered by the Japan Anniversary Association the following year, 2017. The date comes from a pun on "ei (8) yo (4)," meaning "nutrition," and the week from August 1st to 7th is designated "Nutrition Week."
Why This Time of Year?
Early August already gathers several anniversaries related to nutrition and the Japan Dietetic Association.
- July 31: the Nutrition Improvement Act was promulgated
- August 1: the founding date of the Japan Dietetic Association as a public interest incorporated association
- August 2: the Health Promotion Act was promulgated
- Nutrition Day and Nutrition Week were established to bring these related dates together in a way that's easy for the general public to embrace
The Philosophy of "Eat With Joy, Delight Your Body"
Nutrition Day and Nutrition Week are built on the concept of experiencing nutrition firsthand, not just learning about it as knowledge. Under the key message "eat with joy, delight your body," registered dietitians and nutritionists across the country lead events and share information to give people a chance to rethink their eating habits.
Tips for Marking This Day
- Reflect on your everyday diet and reconsider your nutritional balance
- Check out events and information tied to Nutrition Day and Nutrition Week
- Learn about the work registered dietitians and nutritionists do
- Cook a nutrition-conscious meal together with your family
The Importance of Experiencing Nutrition, Not Just Understanding It
Nutrition matters most not as something you understand intellectually, but as something you feel through your everyday meals. Let August 4th be a day to look at your usual table with a bit more awareness, and approach nutrition through the simple joy of eating.