Lactic Acid Bacteria Day

What Is Lactic Acid Bacteria Day?

The 23rd of every month is "Nyusankin no Hi," Lactic Acid Bacteria Day in Japan. It was established by Kagome Co., Ltd., a maker of lactic acid bacteria drinks among other products. The date is a pun: 2 reads "nyu" and 3 reads "san," giving nyusan, lactic acid. February 3 carries the same name for the same reason, and the monthly 23rd was added so that in-store promotion can run year-round.

Thirteen Times a Year

Between February 3 and the 23rd of each month, the day comes around thirteen times annually.

• Origin of the date: 2 and 3 read as "nyusan," lactic acid
• The other date: February 3 is also Lactic Acid Bacteria Day
• Why the monthly 23rd: to allow in-store promotion throughout the year
• Established by: Kagome Co., Ltd.
• Purpose: to help people feel well through products using lactic acid bacteria

The Same Digits, a Different Word

The 23rd also carries "Fumin no Hi," Insomnia Day, established by SSP Co., Ltd., where 2 and 3 are read "fumin" instead. The same two digits stand in for entirely different words -- a neat demonstration of how far Japanese number puns stretch.

Tips for Marking This Day

• Add yogurt or a lactic acid drink to a meal
• Work fermented foods such as miso, soy sauce or pickles into your menu
• Compare the bacterial strain names printed on the packaging
• Count the fermented foods already in your refrigerator

The 23rd, Read as "Nyu-San"

Eating habits slip easily over the holidays. This is a serviceable excuse to steady the everyday meals a little.