Shirodashi Day (Shirodashi no Hi)

What Is Shirodashi Day?

July 29 is "Shirodashi Day," established by Shichifuku Jozo Co., Ltd., a manufacturer of shirodashi. It commemorates the launch of the company's flagship product, "shirodashi," on July 29, 1978.

Why Is July 29 "Shirodashi Day"?

Shirodashi is a seasoning that combines dashi (made from bonito, kelp, and similar ingredients) with light soy sauce and mirin, prized for adding flavor to dishes without darkening their color. Since the date marks the very first launch of shirodashi, it was chosen as this anniversary.

• July 29, 1978: Japan's first shirodashi was born.
• Established by Shichifuku Jozo: An anniversary aimed at spreading shirodashi culture.
• A new staple in Japanese cooking: A popular seasoning that makes it easy to enjoy the flavor of dashi.

What Is Shirodashi?

Shirodashi is an all-purpose seasoning that combines the umami of dashi with a balanced blend of seasonings. Because of its light color, it's ideal for dishes where you want to preserve the natural color of the ingredients.

• Preserves ingredient color: Perfect for chawanmushi (savory egg custard), dashi-rolled omelets, and simmered dishes.
• Rich umami: Concentrated dashi from bonito, kelp, shiitake mushroom, and more.
• Use diluted: Typically diluted with water depending on the dish.

Fun Facts About Shirodashi Day

• The original shirodashi: Shichifuku Jozo's "Tokusen Ryotei Shirodashi" was the very first product of its kind.
• White soy sauce culture: Hekinan City in Aichi Prefecture is famous as the birthplace of white soy sauce.
• An all-purpose seasoning: Works not just in Japanese cooking, but in Western and Chinese dishes too.
• Helps with reducing salt: The umami of dashi makes it possible to use less salt overall.

How to Enjoy Shirodashi Day

• Try cooking with shirodashi (chawanmushi, udon, simmered dishes, and more).
• Compare the flavors of different brands of shirodashi.
• Look into the culture of dashi and the history of white soy sauce.
• Incorporate shirodashi into your everyday cooking and notice how it changes the flavor.

One Drop Transforms a Dish — the Magic of Japanese Umami

July 29's "Shirodashi Day" is a day to rediscover the appeal of dashi culture. Easy to use yet capable of adding deep flavor, shirodashi is worth bringing into your everyday cooking.