Domestic Eggplant Consumption Day
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What Is Domestic Eggplant Consumption Day?
The 17th of every month is "Domestic Eggplant Consumption Day" in Japan, established by the Winter-Spring Eggplant Producing Prefectures Council, made up of Okayama, Kochi, Tokushima, Saga, Fukuoka, and Kumamoto. September 17th is one of these recurring monthly dates.
An Annual Campaign Grown from a Single April Date
The memorial day began as "Eggplant Day" on April 17th alone, before being expanded to the 17th of every month to promote domestic eggplant more consistently throughout the year.
- Origin: The original April 17th "Eggplant Day" promotion was expanded to the 17th of every month to boost consumption
- Established by: The Winter-Spring Eggplant Producing Prefectures Council of six prefectures (Okayama, Kochi, Tokushima, Saga, Fukuoka and Kumamoto), Japan's leading producers of winter-spring eggplant (the original April 17 "Eggplant Day" dates from 2004)
- Why April 17: Besides a wordplay reading 4-1-7 as "yoi nasu" (good eggplant), April is the peak season for winter-spring eggplant, and Tokugawa Ieyasu, known for his love of eggplant, died on the 17th day of the 4th month of the old calendar
What Is "Winter-Spring Eggplant"?
Winter-spring eggplant refers to domestically grown eggplant harvested from winter through spring, taking advantage of warm regional climates. Although eggplant is typically thought of as a summer vegetable, a relay of production regions across the country brings fresh, domestic eggplant to tables year-round.
How to Mark the Day
- Cook a dish using domestic eggplant
- Look into where eggplant is grown and when it's in season
- Add one new eggplant recipe to your cooking repertoire
- Look for domestically grown eggplant at your local supermarket
A Monthly Reminder of Eggplant's Everyday Appeal
By recurring on the 17th of every month, Domestic Eggplant Consumption Day keeps the flavor of domestic eggplant—and the effort behind growing it—in front of consumers all year long. On September 17th, why not bring some in-season eggplant to your own table?