Sour Day
Food DaysWhat Is Sour Day?
The 30th of every month is "Sour Day" in Japan. It was established by Takara Shuzo Co., Ltd. of Kyoto, which makes shochu, sake, low-alcohol drinks and seasonings. The date is a pun: 30 reads as "sa (3) wa (0, seen as a ring, wa) -," sounding like "sour."
A Month's-End Drink with the People Around You
Treating the 0 as a "ring" is an extra twist on the usual wordplay. The end of the month was chosen with the wish that people drink with colleagues, friends and family and strengthen those ties throughout the year.
- Established by: Takara Shuzo Co., Ltd., Kyoto
- Origin of the date: 30 read as "sa (3) wa (ring = 0) -"
- Why the month's end: a wish that people drink with those close to them and deepen their bonds
- Purpose: to spread "sour," shochu cut with soda, and enliven the sour market
Sour or Chuhai?
A "sour" refers to shochu cut with carbonated water. Which name gets used varies by bar and by region, and there is no hard line between the terms. What stands out is the range of mixers -- lemon, grapefruit, oolong tea and more.
Tips for Marking This Day
- Mix your own at home with a juice you like
- Vary the fizz and the ice and taste the difference
- Order something other than your usual to close out a year-end party
- Look for non-alcoholic options for those who do not drink
The Year's Last Sour Day
December 30 is the final Sour Day of the year, just as the year-end party season winds down. Drinker or not, it is a good day to sit down with someone and mark the end of a year's work.