Nutrition Day

What Is Nutrition Day?

August 4th is "Nutrition Day" in Japan, established in 2016 by the Japan Dietetic Association, a public interest incorporated association of registered dietitians and dietitians. 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." The concept is to learn about and experience nutrition, making it a day to think about our eating habits.

Early August and Milestones in Nutrition

Several milestones in the history of nutrition and health promotion in Japan fall in early August.

• July 31: In 1952, the Nutrition Improvement Act, aimed at improving the nation's nutrition, was promulgated
• August 2: In 2002, the Health Promotion Act, which succeeded the Nutrition Improvement Act, was promulgated to advance public health
• August 4: Nutrition Day, based on the pun; the week of August 1–7 that includes it is Nutrition Week

The Work of Dietitians

During Nutrition Day and Nutrition Week, registered dietitians and dietitians across the country lead events and share information to give people a chance to rethink their eating habits. They support food and health in many settings — hospitals, schools, nurseries, elder-care facilities, company cafeterias, and public health centers. Dietitians are licensed by prefectural governors, and registered dietitians by the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare.

Tips for Marking This Day

• Reflect on your everyday diet and check whether your meals include a staple, a main dish, and side dishes
• Check out events and information tied to Nutrition Day and Nutrition Week
• Learn about the work registered dietitians and dietitians 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.