Walnut Day

What Is Walnut Day?

September 30th is "Walnut Day" (Kurumi no Hi), established by walnut enthusiasts in places such as Tomi City, Nagano Prefecture — said to be Japan's top walnut producer — based on a wordplay reading of "9-3-0" that echoes "walnuts are round."

Rediscovering Walnuts at Peak Harvest Season

Walnut Day carries meaning beyond the wordplay — it also falls in the season when walnuts come onto the market.

• Established by: Walnut enthusiasts in Tomi City, Nagano Prefecture, and elsewhere
• Origin: A wordplay reading of "9-3-0," echoing "walnuts are round"
• Timing: Falls in the season when walnuts come onto the market
• Purpose: To promote the excellence of walnuts as a food and their wide range of uses

Big Nutrition Packed Into a Small Nut

Walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, dietary fiber, and vitamin E, making them a popular nut among people mindful of their health and beauty. Beyond eating them as they are, they also work well in cooking and baking. Most walnuts growing wild in Japan are Japanese walnuts (onigurumi), known for their very hard shells. They have been found at Jōmon-period sites, suggesting they have been eaten in Japan since ancient times.

In English the nut is called a "walnut," and its wood is also used for furniture under the same name. Worldwide, walnuts are produced mainly in California in the United States and in China.

Ways to Mark the Day

• Enjoy walnuts on their own as a snack
• Try adding walnuts to a salad, bread, or baked treat
• Learn about Tomi City, Nagano Prefecture, a walnut-growing region
• Look into the nutrients and health benefits walnuts offer

The Bounty of Autumn, Packed Into a Round Little Nut

Walnut Day is a chance to appreciate the charm of this quintessential autumn nut. September 30th is a good day to savor a walnut's round, nutrient-rich goodness and feel the harvest season settling in.