Yaki Udon Day

What Is Yaki Udon Day?

October 14th is "Yaki Udon Day" (stir-fried udon day) in Japan. It was established by the Kokura Yaki Udon Research Institute in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture, and certified and registered by the Japan Anniversary Association. On October 14, 2002, at an event celebrating the 400th anniversary of Kokura Castle's construction, a showdown was held against Shizuoka's "Fujinomiya Yakisoba Society," which helped make Kokura widely known as the birthplace of yaki udon.

A Day Born from "The Great Noodle Battle"

The day traces back to a regional noodle showdown called "Yaki Udon Battle Special Edition: The Battle to Divide the Realm of Noodles."

• Established by:Kokura Yaki Udon Research Institute (Kitakyushu, Fukuoka)
• Date origin:the October 14, 2002 "Battle to Divide the Realm of Noodles"
• Opponent:the Fujinomiya Yakisoba Society of Shizuoka
• Purpose:to spread Kokura-born yaki udon nationwide and share its history and local food culture

Yaki Udon Was Born as a Substitute for Yakisoba

One theory holds that yaki udon began just after the end of World War II, when the owner of "Darumado" in Kokura could not obtain yakisoba noodles and instead boiled and stir-fried dried udon. An idea born from a shortage has become a signature local dish. The showdown drew nationwide media attention and is said to be one of the roots of the "B-1 Grand Prix" local-food festival. Kokura yaki udon has also been recognized in the Agency for Cultural Affairs' "100-Year Food" program.

Tips for Marking This Day

• Make easy yaki udon with udon from your fridge
• Compare flavors, such as soy sauce versus Worcestershire-style sauce
• Look up other local specialties of Kitakyushu and Kokura
• Debate yakisoba versus yaki udon with your coworkers

A Clever Fix That Became a Local Specialty

A dish born as a substitute for unavailable ingredients is now a source of local pride. On October 14th, enjoy some savory yaki udon and think about how creativity turns into local specialties.