Gateau Chocolat Day

What Is Gateau Chocolat Day

September 21 is "Gateau Chocolat Day" in Japan, established by chef Kenji Ujiie of Ken's Cafe Tokyo, a gateau chocolat specialty shop in Shinjuku, Tokyo, founded in 1998. The day is certified and registered by the Japan Anniversary Association, and the date marks the day the shop first sold its gateau chocolat.

Born from a Shop's Devotion to a Single Dessert

Gateau chocolat comes from the French "gâteau au chocolat" (chocolate cake) and is a rich, dense, moist baked confection; the shortened name "gateau chocolat" is a Japanese coinage. Ken's Cafe Tokyo is known as a specialty shop whose signature product is gateau chocolat, and it has built a devoted following over the years.

• Origin: Established by chef Kenji Ujiie of the specialty shop Ken's Cafe Tokyo, marking the day the shop first sold gateau chocolat
• What gateau chocolat is: Derived from the French "gâteau au chocolat" (chocolate cake), known for its rich, dense texture
• Certification: Certified and registered by the Japan Anniversary Association

The Craft Behind a Single-Item Specialty Shop

A shop that focuses on just one item pours years of accumulated care into every detail, from ingredient selection to baking time. Gateau Chocolat Day is also a chance to appreciate the skill and passion behind that kind of specialization.

Ways to Mark the Day

• Treat yourself to your favorite gateau chocolat
• Try baking a gateau chocolat at home
• Learn about the craftsmanship behind specialty shops like Ken's Cafe Tokyo
• Explore the history and varieties of chocolate desserts

Rich Happiness in a Single Slice

Gateau Chocolat Day is a chance to appreciate a cake shaped by one shop's single-minded devotion. This September 21, why not slow down and savor a rich, moist slice of gateau chocolat?