French Bread Day

What Is French Bread Day?

November 28th is "French Bread Day" (Furansu Pan no Hi) in Japan. It was established in 2015 by the Japan Association of Friends of French Bread, based on a wordplay reading 11/28 as "ii fu(ransu) pa(n)" -- "good French bread." Another reason for the date is that it falls close to the release of Beaujolais Nouveau, a good season for enjoying French bread.

The People Who Rooted French Bread in Japan

The Japan Association of Friends of French Bread was founded in 1970 (Showa 45) based on the principles of Raymond Calvel, a French baker and bread researcher. The group has worked to spread authentic French bread-making methods and ideas in Japan.

• Origin of the date: Reading 11/28 as "ii (11) fu (2) ransu pa (8) n"
• Established by: The Japan Association of Friends of French Bread (2015)
• The association: Founded in 1970 based on the principles of Raymond Calvel
• Timing: Close to the Beaujolais Nouveau release, a good season for French bread

Simple Ingredients, Surprising Depth

French bread is made from just the basics: flour, water, salt, and yeast. Because the ingredients are so simple, the baker's skill in handling the dough, fermentation, and baking has a big effect on the flavor. Beyond the long, thin baguette, there are various shapes and sizes, such as the thicker batard, which adds to the fun.

Tips for Marking This Day

• Buy a baguette from your favorite bakery
• Compare different shapes of French bread, such as baguette and batard
• Prepare a soup or cheese that goes well with French bread
• Turn slightly stale French bread into rusks or French toast

A Crisp Crust Full of the Baker's Skill

French bread, made from simple ingredients, carries the skill and care of its baker. November 28th is a day to slowly savor the aroma of freshly baked bread.