Pizza Bun Day

What Is Pizza Bun Day?

October 13th is "Pizza Bun Day" in Japan. It was established by the Japan Heated Food Association, whose members include makers of steamed buns and other heated foods, and was certified and registered by the Japan Anniversary Association in 2022. The date combines October, when the mornings and evenings turn chilly and people crave something warm, with a wordplay reading 13 as "pi (1) za (3)" for "pizza-man."

The "Third Steamed Bun" After Meat and Red Bean

The day aims to spread the appeal of the pizza bun as the next steamed bun after the classic meat bun and red bean bun, and to highlight how easy it is to eat with one hand.

• Established by:Japan Heated Food Association
• Certified:registered by the Japan Anniversary Association in 2022
• Date origin:October's chilly weather plus wordplay reading 1-3 as "pi-za"
• Background:the association grew out of a council founded in 1972 by Jiro Imura, the first president of Imuraya

A Winter Staple at Japanese Convenience Stores

As autumn deepens, steamers of buns appear next to convenience store registers. Pizza buns -- tomato sauce and cheese wrapped in fluffy dough -- often have orange-tinted dough, making them easy to spot. Whether you prefer meat, red bean, or pizza buns is a perfect topic for office small talk. Imuraya, a member of the association, also showcases its pizza-flavored products on social media for the day.

Tips for Marking This Day

• Grab a pizza bun at a convenience store to welcome the season
• Ask coworkers whether they prefer meat, red bean, or pizza buns
• Heat up frozen buns at home for a snack or breakfast
• Try adding extra cheese or tomato for your own twist

Beat the Autumn Chill with a Warm Bite

Easy to eat with one hand and warming to the core, the pizza bun is a seasonal treat. On October 13th, let the "pi-za" wordplay be your cue to enjoy your first steamed bun of the season.