Canned Food Day

What Is Canned Food Day?

October 10th is "Canned Food Day" in Japan, commemorating the day in 1877 when Japan's first canned food -- canned salmon -- was produced in Ishikari, Hokkaido. It was established by the Japan Canners Association.

The Birthplace of Japan's Canned Food Industry

Canned food, with its long shelf life and usefulness as an emergency stockpile, has long supported Japan's food culture.

• Origin: commemorates October 10, 1877, when Japan's first canned salmon was produced in Ishikari
• Purpose: to help more people appreciate the convenience and long shelf life that canned food offers
• A growing variety: beyond seafood, canned products today range from fruits and vegetables to prepared side dishes

Canned Food as Disaster Preparedness

With their long shelf life, canned foods also serve as emergency provisions. The idea of "rolling stock" -- using and restocking emergency food as part of everyday meals -- is gaining wider adoption.

Tips for Marking This Day

• Cook a dish using your favorite canned food
• Check your household's emergency canned food stockpile
• Look for unusual or regional specialty canned foods
• Learn about the history of canning and its production technology

A Small Can Holds a Long History of Ingenuity

Ready to eat the moment you open the lid, canned food carries a long history of advances in preservation technology. October 10th is a day to appreciate the convenience canned food brings to everyday life.