What is Watermelon Day (Suika no Hi)?

Watermelon Day (Suika no Hi) is an annual observance in Japan, held every year on July 27. What is Watermelon Day? July 27th is "Watermelon Day" (Suika no Hi). The stripes on a watermelon's rind are said to rese

When is Watermelon Day (Suika no Hi)?

Watermelon Day (Suika no Hi) is observed every year on July 27.

What other anniversaries fall on July 27?

July 27 is also "Day to Think About Politics", "Sleepyhead Day (Onebō-san no Hi)", "Women Cabinet Ministers Day (Japan)". See the July 27 page for details.

July 27

Watermelon Day (Suika no Hi)

Food Days

What is Watermelon Day?

July 27th is "Watermelon Day" (Suika no Hi). The stripes on a watermelon's rind are said to resemble a "rope" (tsuna in Japanese), giving rise to the wordplay "tsu (2) na (7)" = the 27th. The day was established to promote watermelon consumption.

Why July 27th Is Watermelon Day

Late July is right in the peak season for watermelons. This date was chosen as a way to encourage people to enjoy more of this quintessential summer fruit.

Wordplay: The watermelon's stripes look like "rope" (tsuna) → tsu (2) + na (7).
Peak season: Late July is when watermelons taste their best.
A symbol of summer: Right up there with the beach, fireworks, and summer festivals.

The Appeal of Watermelon

Watermelon is packed with water, making it perfect for the hot summer months. It's prized for its sweetness, juiciness, and nutritional value.

Mostly water: About 90% water content, helpful for preventing heatstroke.
Rich in lycopene: An antioxidant that's great for skin and overall health.
Many varieties: Large, small, yellow-fleshed, and seedless watermelons, among others.

Fun Facts About Watermelon Day

Watermelon is actually a vegetable: Botanically, it belongs to the gourd family and is technically classified as a "vegetable."
Famous growing regions in Japan: Kumamoto, Tottori, Yamagata, and Chiba are well-known producers.
The origins of "suikawari" (watermelon smashing): The exact origin is unclear, but it's become a fixture of beach activities in Japan.
You can eat the rind too: It's delicious lightly pickled or stir-fried.

Ways to Enjoy Watermelon Day

Enjoy a whole chilled watermelon.
Make watermelon juice or a watermelon smoothie.
Try different varieties from various growing regions and compare flavors.
Get together with family or friends for a game of suikawari.

A Sweetness That Seems to Capture the Summer Sun Itself

Watermelon Day on July 27th is a day to enjoy one of summer's great gifts. Bite into a juicy watermelon and let it cool you down on a hot day.