Takoyaki Day

What Is Takoyaki Day?

August 8th is "Takoyaki Day" in Japan. The date comes from combining the fact that an octopus has eight legs with a wordplay reading "yaki" (grilled) as the number 8 ("ya"). It was established by Ajinochinuya Co., a food company based in Mitoyo, Kagawa Prefecture.

The Appeal of Takoyaki, a Must at Summer Events

Takoyaki, grilled in a special round griddle, is one of Japan's most iconic savory batter dishes.

• Origin: combines the octopus's eight legs with a wordplay reading the sound of "yaki" as the number 8
• Background: established by the frozen food maker to help more people enjoy takoyaki casually
• A summer staple: summer brings plenty of outdoor events like fireworks shows and festivals, making it a season when takoyaki is eaten more often

From an Osaka Original to a Nationwide Favorite

Believed to have originated in Osaka, takoyaki became a beloved staple at street stalls and festivals before spreading across the country -- and home takoyaki griddles are now widely popular too.

Tips for Marking This Day

• Break out a home takoyaki griddle and host a takoyaki party
• Visit a local takoyaki specialty shop
• Experiment with your favorite sauces and toppings to find your perfect takoyaki
• Look for a takoyaki stall at a summer festival or event

Round, Piping Hot, and Guaranteed to Bring Smiles

The molten batter and chewy octopus inside make takoyaki a treat that livens up any summer moment. Why not gather around a batch of takoyaki on August 8th and enjoy a bit of summer together?