Noodle Day

What Is Noodle Day?

November 11th is "Noodle Day" in Japan. The numeral sequence "1111" evokes the image of long, thin noodles, and the date was established in 1999 by the National Federation of Noodle Manufacturing Cooperatives.

A Food Culture That Stretches On, Thin and Long

From udon and soba to ramen and pasta, noodles have taken root in food cultures around the world in countless forms.

• Origin: the numeral sequence "1111" evokes the image of long, straight noodle strands
• Purpose: to broadly promote the appeal of Japan's noodle culture as a whole
• A symbol of good fortune: the "thin and long" shape of noodles is also cherished as a symbol of longevity and lasting connections

A Rich Diversity of Noodle Culture Across Regions

Across Japan, countless regional noodle dishes exist, from Sanuki udon to Izumo soba and Kitakata ramen. Differences in ingredients and preparation create a wide variety of textures and flavors.

Tips for Marking This Day

• Go out and enjoy your favorite noodle dish
• Try making noodles from scratch at home
• Try a type of noodle you don't usually eat
• Look into the history and regional differences of noodles

A Single Strand of Noodle Connects Tables Around the World

However varied their shapes, noodles remain beloved across the globe. November 11th is a day to savor the appeal of these thin, long strands.