When is Meatball Day?

Meatball Day is observed every year on October 10.

What other anniversaries fall on October 10?

October 10 is also "Eye Care Day (Me no Aigo Day)", "Public Bath Day", "Tote Bag Day (Toto Baggu no Hi)". See the October 10 page for details.

October 10

Meatball Day

Q: What is Meatball Day?

Meatball Day is an annual observance in Japan, held every year on October 10. What Is Meatball Day? October 10th is "Meatball Day" (Nikudango no Hi) in Japan. The date comes from the shape of "10, 1

Food Days

What Is Meatball Day?

October 10th is "Meatball Day" (Nikudango no Hi) in Japan. The date comes from the shape of "10, 10" evoking meatballs on a skewer, along with the timing of cooler weather that brings the start of hot pot season.

A Round Holiday Announcing the Arrival of Hot Pot Season

Meatballs are a staple home-cooking ingredient, used in everything from hot pot dishes to Chinese-style cuisine.

Origin: a visual wordplay likening the round shape of "10" to skewered meatballs
Seasonal connection: October marks the turning point when temperatures start to drop and hot pot dishes become more appealing
Versatility: from Japanese-style simmered dishes to Chinese-style soups, meatballs adapt to countless flavor profiles

Variations on Homemade Meatballs

Simply mixing ground meat with vegetables and seasonings and rolling it into balls makes for an easy, beloved home-cooked dish. Frozen in advance, meatballs also make a quick addition to a busy weeknight meal.

Tips for Marking This Day

Add meatballs to your favorite hot pot dish
Try making meatballs from scratch
Compare different flavor styles, from Japanese to Chinese
Look up meal-prep recipes using meatballs

A Round, Warm Dish Brings the Family Together at the Table

Meatballs that fall apart tenderly in a steaming hot pot are the perfect dish for the cooling season. October 10th is a day to welcome hot pot season with a plate of meatballs.