Soup Day

What Is Soup Day?

December 22 is "Soup Day" in Japan. It was established by the Japan Soup Association, formed in 1980 by soup manufacturers and related companies. The aim is to give people something to talk about where soup is concerned, raise interest in it and expand consumption.

A Pun About Blowing on a Hot Bowl

The date was chosen for both the season and a play on numbers.

• The seasonal reason: winter is when hot soup tastes best
• The pun: 12 and 22 read as "itsu (12) mo fu-fu (22)" -- always blowing to cool your soup
• Established by: the Japan Soup Association
• Association founded: 1980, by soup manufacturers and others
• Purpose: to raise interest in soup and expand consumption

Often the Same Day as the Winter Solstice

In many years December 22 is also the winter solstice in the Japanese calendar of 24 solar terms, the stretch with the longest nights; in some years the solstice falls on the 21st instead. A day for hot soup as the cold sets in makes sense on the calendar as well as the palate.

Tips for Marking This Day

• Add a bowl of hot soup to your usual lunch
• Compare a consomme, a potage and a Japanese clear soup
• Clear out the vegetable drawer by turning the leftovers into soup
• Stock some instant cup soup at your desk

The Best Bowl of the Coldest Season

As the pun suggests, soup is at its best hot enough that you have to blow on it. This anniversary suits the shortest, coldest days of the year.