Dressing Day (Doresshingu no Hi)

What is Dressing Day?

Every year on August 24th, Japan celebrates "Dressing Day." It was established by Kenko Mayonnaise Co., Ltd., a maker of mayonnaise and dressings, and registered with the Japan Anniversary Association in 2016. Because dressing is usually poured over vegetables, the company chose the date that sits directly "above" Vegetable Day (August 31st) on a weekly calendar. It's a day to appreciate dressing as a partner that makes vegetables more delicious.

A Date Born From "Calendar Position"

This day comes from a playful idea that links a calendar layout to the action of "pouring over."

• Directly "above" Vegetable Day: On a weekly calendar, the 24th falls exactly one week before the 31st, directly above it — just like dressing poured over vegetables.
• "Pour over vegetables" equals 24: Since dressing is "multiplied" (kakeru, which also means "to pour over") onto vegetables, 8 x 3 x 1 = 24 is also given as a reason for the date.
• Vegetable Day is a wordplay: August 31st became "Vegetable Day" because 8-3-1 can be read as "ya-sa-i," the Japanese word for vegetables.
• Salad against summer appetite loss: The company also hoped people would stay healthy by eating salad with dressing during the hot season, when appetite tends to drop.
• Purpose: To promote new ways of using dressing beyond salad.

Uses Beyond Salad

Dressing is a seasoning based on vinegar, oil, and salt, with spices, herbs, sugar, and other ingredients added. Today it is used not only on salads but also as a pasta sauce, a marinade or sauce for meat and fish, and a seasoning for stir-fries.

Interesting Facts About Dressing

• From the English "dress": The word "dressing" comes from the English verb "dress," meaning to prepare or finish — dressing is what finishes a dish.
• No single French word: French is said to have no word covering all dressings; instead there are names for each type, such as sauce vinaigrette and mayonnaise sauce.
• "Italian" and "French" grew up in America: Italian dressing and the white and red "French" dressings familiar in Japan were born in the English-speaking world, especially the United States.
• Japanese-style dressing: Wafu (Japanese-style) dressings using shiso, soy sauce, sesame, or yuzu are thought to have been invented in Japan.
• Non-oil dressing: Under Japan's JAS standards, oil-free dressings are classified as "dressing-type seasonings."
• Nutrients that go well with oil: Beta-carotene, found in carrots and other vegetables, is fat-soluble and is said to be absorbed more easily when eaten with oil.

Tips for Enjoying Dressing Day

• Try making your own dressing by mixing oil, vinegar, and salt.
• Use your usual dressing in a dish other than salad, such as a stir-fry or marinade.
• Check the ingredient label to see what kinds of oil and vinegar are used.
• Try a flavor you don't usually choose — Japanese, Chinese, or French style.

One Drizzle Makes Everyday Vegetables Even Better

August 24th is a day to appreciate dressing, which sits right above Vegetable Day on the calendar. When the heat dulls your appetite, why not enjoy plenty of vegetables with your favorite dressing? Looking for new ways to use it beyond salad can be fun, too.