Bean Day

What Is Bean Day?

October 13th is "Bean Day" in Japan, established in 2010 by the Japan Pulse Promotion Association. On "Jusan-ya," the night of the 13th day of the 9th month on the old lunar calendar, people used to offer freshly harvested beans to the moon and eat them, so the night was also called "Mame Meigetsu" (the bean moon). In honor of this custom, October 13th on the modern calendar became Bean Day.

Jusan-ya, the "Bean Moon"

Moon viewing in Japan is best known for the full moon of Jugoya, but there is also a custom of admiring the moon on Jusan-ya, the 13th night of the 9th lunar month. Because beans harvested at that time were offered to the moon, the night came to be called the "bean moon."

• Established by:Japan Pulse Promotion Association
• Year:2010
• Date origin:the "bean moon" custom of offering and eating beans on Jusan-ya
• Why a fixed date:Jusan-ya moves every year, so the day was fixed at October 13th
• Purpose:to encourage people to include nutritious beans in their daily diet

The "Potato Moon" and the "Bean Moon"

Jugoya is sometimes called the "potato moon" because taro and other potatoes are offered, while Jusan-ya is called the "bean moon" or, in some regions, the "chestnut moon." Both are occasions to thank the moon for the season's harvest. Soybeans, adzuki beans, kidney beans, and other pulses, rich in protein and fiber, have long supported the Japanese table.

Tips for Marking This Day

• Add a bean dish, such as simmered beans or bean rice, to a meal
• Notice the variety of soy products, like natto and tofu
• Find out when this year's Jusan-ya falls and plan some moon viewing
• Snack on roasted beans or sugared beans

Gratitude for the Autumn Harvest in a Single Bean

Beans may be small, but they are an essential part of Japanese food culture. October 13th is a day to recall the bean-moon custom and enjoy the taste of beans.