Kuromame (Black Soybean) Day

What Is Kuromame Day?

September 6th is "Kuromame Day" in Japan, celebrating black soybeans. The date comes from a wordplay on "ku(9)-ro(6)-mame" (black bean), and it was established by Kikuchi Foods Industry Co., Ltd.

A Lucky Bean Essential to Osechi New Year's Cuisine

Kuromame, also called black soybeans, are well known as an ingredient in osechi, the traditional dishes eaten during Japanese New Year celebrations.

• Origin: a wordplay that directly echoes both the look and sound of "ku(9)-ro(6)-mame" (black bean)
• Purpose: to spread awareness of the nutritional value and delicious taste of black soybeans beyond just New Year's season
• A symbol of good fortune: the word "mame" also sounds like a term meaning "diligent" or "hardworking," making black soybeans an indispensable lucky food in osechi cuisine

A Nutrient-Rich Bean, Full of Polyphenols

The black pigment in kuromame is rich in anthocyanin, a polyphenol, drawing attention as an ingredient with potential benefits for health and beauty.

Tips for Marking This Day

• Enjoy sweetly simmered kuromame or black soybean tea
• Try making a dish or sweet using black soybeans
• Look into the nutrients found in black soybeans
• Think of ways to enjoy kuromame outside of New Year's season

A Small Bean Carries a Wish for a Diligent Life

Enjoyed not just at New Year's but throughout the year, kuromame carries wishes for health and hard work. September 6th is a day to rediscover the big appeal packed into this small bean.