When is Fried Oyster Day?

Fried Oyster Day is observed every year on November 21.

When was Fried Oyster Day established?

Fried Oyster Day was established in 2011.

What other anniversaries fall on November 21?

November 21 is also "Internet Memorial Day", "Fried Chicken Day (Furaido Chikin no Hi)", "Kabuki-za Theater Opening Day". See the November 21 page for details.

November 21

Fried Oyster Day

Q: What is Fried Oyster Day?

Fried Oyster Day is an annual observance in Japan, held every year on November 21. What Is Fried Oyster Day? November 21st is "Fried Oyster Day" in Japan. It was established in 2011 by Aji no Chinuya Co.

Food Days

What Is Fried Oyster Day?

November 21st is "Fried Oyster Day" in Japan. It was established in 2011 by Aji no Chinuya Co., Ltd., a frozen-food maker based in Mitoyo, Kagawa Prefecture, and certified by the Japan Anniversary Association. November was chosen because oysters start to taste their best around then, and the 21st because 2 and 1 can be read as "fu-rai" (fry).

Bringing the "Milk of the Sea" to More Tables

Oysters are called the "milk of the sea" because of their rich nutrition. Fried Oyster Day aims to get more people to eat them.

Established by: Aji no Chinuya Co., Ltd., in 2011
Why November: oysters start to taste their best at this time of year
Why the 21st: 2 ("fu") and 1 ("rai") make "furai" (fry)
Sister days: the same company also established Menchi-Katsu Day (March 7), Croquette Day (May 6), and Tonkatsu Day (October 1)
Tartar Sauce Day: November 14th, which sits directly above November 21st on a weekly calendar, is "Tartar Sauce Day"

The Roots of Fried Oysters, and Why You Can Eat Them Almost All Year

There are several theories about when and where fried oysters were first made, but one says they were first sold at Rengatei, a Western-style restaurant in Ginza, Tokyo. Fried oysters are mainly made with Pacific oysters, which are in season from autumn to winter, while rock oysters are in season from spring to summer, so fried oysters can be enjoyed almost year-round. Today they are a familiar menu item not only at Western-style restaurants but also at set-meal diners and cafes.

Tips for Marking This Day

Enjoy freshly fried oysters for lunch or dinner
Compare toppings such as tartar sauce, Worcestershire-style sauce, and lemon
Add an easy side dish to your table with frozen fried oysters
Ask coworkers what they like to put on their fried oysters

A Winter Delicacy Wrapped in a Crispy Coating

As the cold deepens, fried oysters become a winter staple that goes well with both rice and drinks. November 21st is a day to enjoy in-season oysters as crispy, freshly fried oysters.