German Bread Day

What Is German Bread Day?

October 3rd is "German Bread Day" in Japan. It was established by the German Bread Study Group, which has promoted German bread in Japan since 1978, and is registered with the Japan Anniversary Association. The date was chosen because East and West Germany were reunified on this day in 1990, making it a day that symbolizes Germany.

A Day Shared With German Unity Day

German Bread Day aims to spread the appeal of a diet that includes traditional German bread more widely in Japan.

• Established by: the German Bread Study Group, active in Japan since 1978
• Date origin: October 3, 1990, when East and West Germany were reunified
• Purpose: to promote German bread further, as traditional German eating habits have been reappraised as healthy

A National Holiday and a Bread Day on the Same Date

In Germany, October 3rd is the national holiday German Unity Day. The study group saw it as the day that best represents Germany and chose it for bread as well. German breads, such as dense rye loaves, are known for a character quite different from the soft white bread common in Japan. It is one of the joys of food culture that "bread" can look so different from country to country.

Tips for Marking This Day

• Look for German bread at a bakery and try it
• Enjoy breakfast with German bread, cheese, ham or soup
• Compare the texture and flavor of German bread with everyday sliced bread
• Read up on the history of German Unity Day on October 3rd

Tasting German History and Food Culture in a Single Slice

German Bread Day links a historic moment, German reunification, with the everyday dining table. On October 3rd, enjoy a hearty slice of German bread and think about the history of a faraway country.