October 10th is Okonomiyaki Day in Japan

Today, and October 10th annually, is Okonomiyaki Day. It is a commemorative day established by Otafuku Sauce Co., Ltd., the Hiroshima-based manufacturer famous for its okonomiyaki sauces.

The date was chosen as a playful reference to the sizzling sound of okonomiyaki cooking on a hotplate, with “10-10” being read as “juu-juu”, similar to the sound of food grilling. In addition, the two zeros in the date resemble the circle of people gathered around a hotplate, sharing a meal together. I would personally also say, it is good timing as it is autumn festival season, and Okonomiyaki is a popular festival food.

Okonomiyaki is one of Japan’s most beloved comfort foods, made from a batter of flour and combined with ingredients such as cabbage, meat, seafood, and other toppings before being grilled on a hotplate. Regional styles vary, with Kansai-style and Hiroshima-style among the most famous. Finished with sauce, mayonnaise, and aonori, okonomiyaki is a dish that brings people together.