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, which supplies supermarkets, convenience stores and restaurants nationwide, 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

Takoyaki is believed to have originated in Osaka and is said to have been started by Tomekichi Endo, the founder of "Aizuya" in Nishinari Ward, Osaka. Before World War II, it is said to have sold in Osaka for about 1 sen for two pieces. It became a beloved staple at street stalls and festivals before spreading across the country, and home takoyaki griddles are now widely popular too. Some long-running shops in Osaka still serve takoyaki flavored with dashi or soy sauce instead of the familiar thick sauce.

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?