Pocky & Pretz Day

What Is November 11th's "Pocky & Pretz Day"?

November 11th is "Pocky & Pretz Day." Confectionery maker Ezaki Glico established the date because the stick-shaped snacks resemble the number "1," and November 11th is made up of four "1"s in a row (11/11). Glico held the first Pocky & Pretz Day on November 11, 1999 -- the 11th year of Heisei, a date with six "1"s in a row. Pretz (launched in 1963) marked its 60th anniversary in 2023, and Pocky (launched in 1966) reaches its 60th in 2026; through these milestones, the brand continues to roll out social media campaigns, limited-edition packaging, and special flavors every year, drawing huge buzz especially among younger generations. The day is also widely known as a success story in Glico's marketing strategy.

Since When Has There Been a "Pocky Day"?

The day is often called "Pocky Day," but the name registered with the Japan Anniversary Association is "Pocky & Pretz Day." It began on November 11, 1999 — Heisei 11.11.11 in the Japanese calendar, a date with six "1"s in a row. According to the Japan Anniversary Association, the date also carries the hope that people will enjoy Pocky and Pretz during the autumn outing season. November 11, 2026 is a Wednesday.

The History of Pocky and Pretz

The Birth of Pocky

Pocky launched in 1966. A Glico developer came up with the idea of coating the existing Pretz stick in chocolate, but covering the whole stick would leave hands messy. The solution was to leave part of the stick uncoated as a handle. Before launch, the snack was test-marketed at confectionery shops in Neyagawa, Osaka, under the name "Choco Tech," but that name was already trademarked by another company, so it was renamed "Pocky" after "pokkin," the sound a thin stick makes when it snaps. Seasonal and overseas flavors followed, and Pocky is now sold in many countries.

The Appeal of Pretz

Pretz began as a test sale of a snack-to-go-with-drinks, "Pretz Soda Stick," in Hiroshima in 1962, and was fully launched as "Butter Pretz" in 1963. Its name comes from the European pretzel. Today the brand remains a long-selling staple, with the classic "Salad" flavor alongside tomato, cheese, roast, and more.

A Guinness World Record

On October 13, 2020, Ezaki Glico announced that Pocky had been certified by Guinness World Records as the best-selling chocolate-coated biscuit in the world in 2019. Its 2019 sales were about 590 million US dollars (about 62 billion yen).

Pocky vs. Pretz: What's the Difference?

Choosing by Flavor and Occasion

• Pocky: mainly chocolate flavors (strawberry, matcha, almond, etc.). Good for desserts, events, and gifts; sweeter and easy to share
• Pretz: mainly savory flavors (salad, tomato, etc.). Good for light snacks, drinks, and quick bites; refreshing and convenient

Limited Editions and Collaborations

Around November 11th each year, limited-edition flavors and collaboration packages with popular anime characters tend to appear. Many are sold first at convenience stores or online only, so checking Glico's official website and social media accounts is the best way to stay updated.

How to Enjoy Pocky & Pretz Day

Share It on Social Media

A classic move is lining up Pocky or Pretz sticks to form "1"s and posting it on social media with the hashtag #PockyPretzDay. Sharing the fun with friends and family is part of what makes this day special, and Glico's official campaigns sometimes offer limited-edition prizes for posts.

Hold a Taste-Test Event

Try a blind taste test comparing classic and limited-edition flavors, or Pocky versus Pretz. Score them on sweetness, saltiness, texture, and aftertaste, and rank your favorites -- a fun activity for kids and adults alike, perfect for parties.

Gift and Sharing Ideas for Pocky Day

Affordable and easy to share, Pocky and Pretz also make good small gifts.

• At work: split a box into small portions and add a sticky note saying "Thanks for everything"
• For friends and family: limited packages or flavors are sometimes released around November 11, so check the official website when choosing
• If some people don't like sweets: put Pocky and Pretz together and let everyone pick
• For a fun presentation: stand the sticks in a glass or small cup like a bouquet

Brand Strategy and the Value of the Anniversary

Pocky & Pretz Day is a leading example of corporate anniversary marketing in Japan, having run for over 25 years starting from the simple idea of likening the sticks to the number "1". Consistent product quality, campaigns optimized for the social media era, and buzz generated by limited editions are the keys to its success. Following official announcements is the best way to enjoy the day to the fullest.

In Summary

Pocky & Pretz Day on November 11th is Ezaki Glico's anniversary built around the stick shape resembling "1." With Pocky's history dating back to 1966 and Pretz's to 1963, the two brands complement each other -- one sweet, one savory -- offering a wide range of ways to enjoy them. Take advantage of the limited editions and the sharing culture, and have a great time on social media this year too.