A Day to Dig Sweet Potatoes!

October 23rd annually is Sweet Potato Digging Day おいもほりの日 in Japan. It is a commemorative day registered with the Japan Anniversary Association. The date was set to fall on or around the start of the Solar Term "Frost Descent" and its first microseason "First Frost Falls", which marks the period when sweet potatoes are harvested.

For many children in Japan, sweet potato digging is a classic autumn experience. Kindergartens and nursery schools often organise harvest outings where children can dig up sweet potatoes themselves, getting their hands dirty while learning where food comes from.

Beyond being a fun outdoor activity, sweet potato digging is valued for its educational benefits. It encourages children to connect with nature, develop an interest in food, and gain a greater appreciation for the farmers who grow it. Families often continue the experience at home by cooking and eating their harvest together, creating lasting autumn memories.