A Little Wordplay and a Lot of Menchi‑katsu

Today, and March 7th annually, is Menchi Katsu Day メンチカツの日 in Japan. Menchi Katsu is a Japanese breaded and deep-fried patty made from ground meat, usually a mix of pork and beef. It is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The "menchi" is actually from the English "minced" and "katsu" is a word for cutlet.

The "Menchi Katsu Day" anniversary was established by Ajino Chinoya, a company in Kagawa known for making croquettes, menchi‑katsu, and other frozen foods. The date is wordplay on the date but using the Kansai pronunciation for "menchi". In Kansai, menchi‑katsu is often called “minchi‑katsu.”  They say that Minchi sounds like 3/7 when read as "mi" (3） and "na"  (7), for “minchi.”

It’s a lighthearted anniversary, but there’s also a sweet wish behind it. "Katsu" has many meanings in Japan, including "to win". By making a date in March, exam season in Japan, the suggest students enjoy a hearty menchi‑katsu and “win” their exams!