Ichigo Day (for 15-Year-Olds)

What Is Strawberry Day?

January 5th is "Strawberry Day" (Ichigo no Hi) in Japan, named for the wordplay where "1" (ichi) and "5" (go) combine to sound like "ichigo" (strawberry). But on this day, "ichigo" doesn't mean the fruit: it refers to 15-year-olds (ichi-go, "one-five"), and the day is said to be for cheering on students facing high school entrance exams. Who established it is unclear. The fruit's own "Strawberry Day" is January 15, based on the wordplay "ii ichigo" (good strawberry), and is said to have been set by the National Strawberry Consumption Promotion Council. January is also when the strawberry harvest gets into full swing, so it's a fine excuse to enjoy the seasonal fruit too.

Cheering On the 15-Year-Old "Ichigo Generation"

January 5th's "Ichigo Day" isn't really about the fruit — it's about the milestone age of 15 ("ichi-go"). For students at 15, right in the thick of exam season, the day carries hopes that they'll stay as fresh and vibrant as a strawberry and that their hard work will bear fruit. Coming right after January 4th, when government offices resume work and society gets back into motion, it's a warm anniversary that gives the next generation a gentle push forward.

A Botanical Fact About Strawberries

The red part we normally eat as the "fruit" of a strawberry isn't actually the true fruit.

• An Accessory Fruit: The red part is actually the swollen tip of the stem, known botanically as the "receptacle."
• The Real Fruit: Each tiny seed-like speck on the surface is, botanically speaking, an individual "fruit" containing a seed inside.

January 5th is a day to appreciate this curious structure and admire the intricate beauty that nature has created.

Interesting Facts About Strawberries

• The Origin of the Name: The origin of the word is unclear, but the "Nihon Shoki" records the form "ichibiko," and the Heian-period "Honzō Wamyō" records "ichigo," so "ichibiko" is thought to be the older form. At the time, "ichigo" referred to wild berries in general.
• A Member of the Rose Family: Strawberries belong to the rose family, which is reflected in their lovely, fragrant blossoms — a botanical cousin of the rose.
• How to Remove the Stem: Removing the green cap before washing causes vitamin C to leach out, leaving the fruit watery — so it's best to remove it after washing.
• The Tip Is the Sweetest: Sugar tends to concentrate at the pointed tip of a strawberry, so eating from the stem end first means you save the sweetest bite for last.
• Shortcake Day: Incidentally, the 22nd of every month is "Shortcake Day" — because on a calendar, the 15th ("ichigo," strawberry) sits just above the 22nd.

A Single Berry's Happiness, Refreshing the Heart

Strawberry Day is a day when the fruit's lovely shape and vivid red color bring a touch of "early spring" into our hearts. As the fatigue from the New Year holidays tends to catch up with us around this time, the sweet-and-tart fragrance of strawberries can lift your mood. On January 5th, treat yourself — or share with someone special — the rich happiness that a single strawberry can bring.

Ideas for Enjoying Strawberry Day

• Pick out a slightly higher-grade strawberry variety than usual at your local supermarket or fruit shop, and savor the differences in flavor
• Make a strawberry dessert at home, or enjoy a seasonal strawberry parfait at a café, getting a taste of spring through both sight and flavor
• If you know someone who's 15 and studying for exams, give them a vitamin-packed gift of strawberries along with a message of encouragement
• Compare the stem end and the tip of a strawberry side by side to experience for yourself which part tastes sweeter

A Red, Shining Fruit of Hope

January 5th is a day that hints at how, like a strawberry steadily ripening even through the harsh cold of winter, your own efforts and hopes will vividly take shape. Just as the strawberry's red color lifts our spirits, may today be a day filled with passion and freshness — the sweetest day yet for you!