Okonomiyaki Day

What Is Okonomiyaki Day?

October 10th is "Okonomiyaki Day" in Japan. The date comes from a wordplay on the sizzling sound of okonomiyaki cooking, "ju(10)-ju(10)," and it was established by Otafuku Sauce Co., Ltd.

An Appetizing Holiday Born From the Sound of a Sizzling Griddle

Okonomiyaki is a savory Japanese pancake made by mixing cabbage, meat, or seafood into a batter and grilling it on a griddle, with countless regional variations across Japan.

• Origin: a wordplay likening the sizzling "ju-ju" sound of okonomiyaki cooking on a griddle to "10, 10"
• Purpose: established by a long-standing okonomiyaki sauce maker to spread the appeal of okonomiyaki culture as a whole
• Regional character: from Hiroshima-style to Osaka-style, the preparation methods and ingredients vary dramatically by region -- part of the dish's charm

Two Styles: "Mixed" and "Layered"

Kansai-style okonomiyaki mixes the batter and ingredients before grilling, while Hiroshima-style layers cabbage and noodles in stacked layers -- a clear example of regional differences in preparation.

Tips for Marking This Day

• Try making okonomiyaki at home using a hot plate
• Visit an okonomiyaki restaurant and enjoy the sound and aroma of the griddle
• Compare Hiroshima-style and Osaka-style versions
• Customize your okonomiyaki with your favorite sauce and toppings

The Sizzle of the Griddle Brings Energy to the Table

The savory aroma rising with that sizzling sound is enough to spark anyone's appetite. October 10th is a day to gather around a griddle of okonomiyaki and enjoy a lively meal together.