A day for gathering around a hot plate

Today, and June 10th annually, is Teppan Family Gathering Day てっぱん団らんの日 in Japan. It was established by Otafuku Sauce Co., Ltd., a Hiroshima‑based company that promotes the idea of families gathering around a "teppan", i.e. hotplate or iron griddle, for meals. In Japan, the word teppan refers to a flat iron plate used for cooking, and classic “teppan menu” dishes include okonomiyaki, monjayaki, and yakisoba. They are foods that are strongly associated with casual gatherings and shared meals.

Otafuku Sauce, headquartered in Hiroshima City, is widely known for its okonomiyaki sauce, yakisoba sauce, takoyaki sauce, vinegars, and other seasonings that are closely tied to Japanese home cooking and regional food culture. The company’s products are especially iconic in Hiroshima, where okonomiyaki is a major part of local identity. 

The date of "Teppan Family Gather Day" was chosen because June 10th marks the day the Basic Act on Food Education was enacted in 2005, reflecting the company’s belief that cooking and eating together around a teppan supports food education and family bonding.