Inari Day
Food DaysWhat Is Inari Day?
The 17th of every month is "Inari Day" in Japan, established by Misuzu Corporation, a Nagano City-based maker of ingredients for inari-zushi (fried tofu pouch sushi). The date comes from a wordplay reading of the numbers 1 and 7 as "i" and "na," together sounding like "inari."
A Wordplay Date Rooted in Affection for Inari-Zushi
This memorial day was created out of a wish to bring inari-zushi into people's everyday lives more often.
- Origin: The 17th of every month was chosen from a wordplay reading of the numbers 1 and 7 as "i" and "na," together forming "inari"
- Established by: Misuzu Corporation of Nagano City, a manufacturer of seasoned fried tofu pouches and other inari-zushi ingredients
- Purpose: To increase opportunities to eat inari-zushi and spread appreciation for it
Why Is It Called "Inari" Sushi?
The name "inari" is said to derive from a legend that fried tofu is the favorite food of the fox believed to serve as a messenger of Inari, the Shinto deity enshrined at Inari shrines. Though it's a simple dish—vinegared rice stuffed into sweet-and-savory simmered fried tofu pouches—inari-zushi varies in flavor and shape from region to region, reflecting a surprisingly rich food culture.
How to Mark the Day
- Add inari-zushi to your lunch box or dinner table
- Look into the origin of the name "inari-zushi"
- Compare how inari-zushi differs from region to region
- Try making inari-zushi from scratch at home
A Monthly Reminder to Enjoy Inari-Zushi
By recurring on the 17th of every month, Inari Day serves as a gentle reminder of this humble, nostalgic dish. On September 17th, why not enjoy the simple, comforting taste of inari-zushi?