Toro Day
Food DaysWhat Is Toro Day?
The 16th of every month is "Toro Day," established by Kappa Create Co., Ltd., the operator of the Kappa Sushi conveyor-belt chain, based in Nishi Ward, Yokohama. The date is a pun: "to (10) ro (6)." The aim is to spread the appeal of toro -- fatty tuna, one of sushi's most popular cuts -- and to energize not just the chain but the whole industry.
Spelling "Toro" with 10 and 6
Building a product name out of number readings is a familiar move in Japanese anniversaries. Making it monthly lets the chain run a recurring in-store campaign.
- Established by: Kappa Create Co., Ltd., Nishi Ward, Yokohama
- Origin of the date: the wordplay "to (10) ro (6)"
- Frequency: the 16th of every month
- Purpose: to promote toro and invigorate the conveyor-belt sushi industry
Where the Word "Toro" Comes From
Toro refers to the fatty belly of the tuna, and the name is said to come from the way it seems to melt in the mouth. There was a time when the fattier cuts were avoided and lean akami was considered the finer choice.
Tips for Marking This Day
- Check early how sushi reservations are looking for the New Year period
- Taste akami, chutoro and otoro side by side and note the difference
- Look up the names and locations of the different tuna cuts
- Hunt for other anniversaries built on number wordplay like "to-ro"
The Year-End Is Sushi Season Too
Many households gather around sushi on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, making December one of the highest-demand months of the year. Treat this month's Toro Day as the cue to start sorting out the booking.