Curry Day (Karē no Hi)

What Is Curry Day?

Every year on January 22nd, Japan celebrates "Curry Day." It traces back to 1982, when the National School Nutritionists' Council, to mark the 35th anniversary of school lunch programs, called for elementary and junior high schools across the country to serve "the menu most loved by children" all on the same day. This day commemorates that nationwide curry school lunch, served simultaneously in schools across Japan.

The History of Curry in Japan

Curry first arrived in Japan from Britain in the early Meiji era. Rather than coming directly from India, its roots trace to a stew-like curry eaten by the British Royal Navy. Over time, it was adapted to Japanese tastes -- thickened and seasoned to go well with rice -- evolving into Japan's own distinctive "curry rice."

From the Military to the Home

A key factor in curry's spread was its adoption by the Imperial Japanese Navy in the Meiji era as a way to balance soldiers' nutrition. Veterans who returned home brought the recipe with them, helping it take root as a household dish nationwide. Even today, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force keeps up the tradition of eating curry every Friday.

Japanese Curry Keeps Evolving

Japanese curry has continuously changed to meet regional and era-specific needs. In the 1950s, solid curry roux blocks appeared, making it easy to cook curry at home. In 1968, the world's first commercial retort-pouch curry, "Bon Curry," was released, revolutionizing Japan's dinner tables.

Regional Curries and Spice Curry

Today, "local curries" featuring regional specialty ingredients have appeared all over Japan. In recent years, the boom in "spice curry," which originated in Osaka and combines a wide variety of spices without using flour, has further expanded this free and creative curry culture.

The Health Power of Curry

• Often called "edible Chinese medicine" for its blend of many spices
• Curcumin in turmeric is said to support liver function
• Capsaicin in chili peppers promotes sweating and may boost metabolism
• Coriander and cumin are said to aid digestion
• A single dish that lets you take in a balanced mix of vegetables, meat, and seafood

Tips for Making Delicious Curry

There are a few tricks to make your everyday homemade curry even better. Slowly sautéing onions until caramelized brings out sweetness and depth, and adding a small amount of instant coffee, chocolate, or soy sauce as a secret ingredient deepens the flavor.

The Secret of "Day-Two Curry"

It's often said that "curry tastes better the second day." This is because, as time passes, the flavors of the ingredients dissolve into the sauce and the sharp edges of the spices mellow out. That said, to prevent food poisoning, it's important to cool the curry quickly and refrigerate it rather than leaving it in the pot.

Tips for Savoring Curry Day

• Go back to basics and make nostalgic "school-lunch-style curry"
• Taste-test different retort curries to find your personal favorite
• Buy a few spices you don't normally use and try creating your own original blend
• Visit a local curry specialty restaurant and enjoy a professional's take

Why It's Loved as a National Dish

Curry Day is a chance to reflect on just how deeply this everyday dish is woven into Japan's food culture. With its mysterious power to put a smile on the face of anyone, from children to the elderly, curry is the obvious choice for tonight's dinner -- a plate of curry rice wrapped in spicy aroma.