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). The day was officially certified by the Japan Anniversary Association in 1999. Even after both Pocky and Pretz celebrated their 60th anniversaries in 2023, 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.

The History of Pocky and Pretz

The Birth of Pocky

Pocky launched in 1966 as "the world's first stick-shaped chocolate-covered biscuit snack." The original idea was to coat an entire Pretz stick in chocolate, but the innovative idea of leaving a "handle" so people could eat it without getting their hands messy was born. The name "Pocky" comes from the snapping sound ("pokin") the stick makes when broken. Starting in the Kansai region, it spread nationwide and grew into a global brand with seasonal and region-exclusive flavors.

The Appeal of Pretz

Pretz was test-marketed in Hiroshima in 1962 and launched nationwide as "Butter Pretz" in 1963. It was originally developed as a savory snack modeled on German pretzels, but sales were poor, so it was reworked into a sweeter treat and became a huge hit. The 1969 launch of "Salad Pretz" opened up a line of savory snacks, and today the brand remains a long-selling staple with flavors like tomato, cheese, and roast.

Pocky vs. Pretz: What's the Difference?

Choosing by Flavor and Occasion

| Product | Main Flavors | Best For | Characteristics | |------|--------|---------------|------| | **Pocky** | Chocolate-based (strawberry, matcha, almond) | Desserts, parties, gifts | Sweeter, easy to share, festive | | **Pretz** | Savory (salad, tomato, cheese) | Light snacks, drinks, quick bites | Refreshing, satisfying, convenient |

Limited Editions and Collaborations

Around November 11th each year, limited-edition flavors (for 2025, rumored options include "Premium Matcha Pocky" and "Triple Cheese Pretz") 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 X account (@glico_pocky) is the best way to stay updated.

How to Enjoy Pocky & Pretz Day

Share It on Social Media

A classic move is lining up sticks from an 11-pack or jumbo-size box 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.

Brand Strategy and the Value of the Anniversary

Pocky & Pretz Day is one of the biggest examples of corporate anniversary marketing in Japan, having run for over 25 years starting from a simple bit of numerical wordplay. 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.